Hand tremors may result from neurological conditions, medications, thyroid disorders, low blood sugar, and other medical conditions. Tremors can make eating and other daily living tasks challenging and frustrating. The good news is there are a variety of utensils and other eating devices available to help people with hand tremors enjoy their meals with independence and dignity. This post will cover what hand tremors are, device options, selection considerations, and additional tips to manage tremors at mealtimes.
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What are Hand Tremors?
Hand tremors are involuntary shaking or trembling of the hands. They can occur at rest, with intentional movements, or both. They may be large, medium, or small amplitude in terms of the magnitude of shaking. Hand tremors can make it difficult to hold utensils, bring food to your mouth, and eat without spilling.
Left arm supports a tremoring right hand. Image by pixelshot.9 Best Utensils for Hand Tremors
1. Weighted Utensils
Weighted utensils, with heavier handles or added weights, can provide stability and reduce hand tremors during eating. The added weight counteracts the shaking motion and improves grip. The weighted Easy Grip Utensil Set by Special Supplies is a nice example. These look similar to regular silverware, which some people prefer.
2. Built-up Utensils
Built-up utensils have larger handles that are easier to grasp, improving control when bringing food to the mouth. This can be especially helpful for people with weak and trembling hands. Check out this Soft Foam Built-Up Handle Utensils set by Rehabilitation Advantage. Or customize your own with foam grip tubing you can cut to fit and modify as needed.
3. Angled Utensils
Angled utensils can help reduce the distance food needs to travel from the plate to the mouth. This minimizes spills and reduces the effort needed to manipulate the utensil. Try the Weighted and Bendable Easy Grip Utensil Set by Special Supplies.
4. Universal Cuffs and Holders
Universal cuffs and holders wrap around the hand and contain a pocket or sleeve for utensils. Consider this option if tremors make it difficult to hold onto utensils without dropping them. If an individual experiences hand weakness in conjunction with tremors, universal cuffs and holders are a practical solution. Our post on Universal Cuffs, Clips, and Holders covers options for every need.
5. Wrist Supports with Utensil Holders
If tremors affect the wrist, it may be helpful to provide wrist support. The Wrist Support with Universal Cuff from North Coast stabilizes the wrist and holds a utensil in a universal cuff pocket to prevent it from dropping.
6. Steady Spoon
The Steady Spoon has three main features: a weighted built-up handle to dampen tremors, a strap to secure the utensil within the hand, and an active counterbalance weight that keeps the head of the spoon level.
7. Rocker Knife
A rocker knife turns a two-handed cutting task into a one handed task, allowing the freed up hand to help with stabilizing tasks. Some rocker knives have a heavier handle, which adds stability and helps to counteract tremors. Rocker knives can also help to reduce fatigue, as they require less effort than traditional knives. This is important for people with tremors, who may tire easily due to shaking hands. Take a look at Rocker Knife sold by Performance Health.
8. S’Up Spoon
9. Gyenno Steady Spoon
The Gyenno Steady Spoon is another high-tech silverware option with spoon and fork attachments. The embedded gyroscopic mechanisms self-stabilize the utensil, reducing effort and fatigue associated with tremors.
Five Other Eating Devices for Hand Tremors
1. Wear a Weighted Wrist Cuff
In lieu of weighted utensils, a person can wear a soft weighted wrist cuff. The added weight counteracts the tremor and enhances grip control by improving proprioception, which is the body’s awareness of its own position and movement in space. Additionally, the weight assists in absorbing some of the tremor’s energy, reducing the amplitude of shaking. Bala Bangles are discrete and comfortable for mealtime use.
2. Non-slip Mats or Placemats
Using non-slip mats or placemats like Tenura Anti-Slip Mats prevent plates and bowls from sliding around, making it easier to stabilize utensils and reduce spills.
3. Suction Plates or Bowls
Suction plates or bowls have a base that adheres to the table, preventing them from moving around and making it easier to scoop food. This can be helpful for people with moderate to severe tremors. Check out the Modaliv Silicone Placement Scooper Bowl.
4. Elevated Eating Surfaces
Eating at an elevated surface, such as a tray table or a raised counter, may allow a person with tremors to work closer to the body which decreases effort and improves stability. Elevated surfaces like the Meal Lifter can help reduce strain on the arms and shoulders as well.
5. Choose the Right Chair for the Task
Chairs with armrests provide elbow support which can improve control of the wrists and hands. Also look for chairs with high back rests to provide core stability. Lastly, look for chairs that allow for the hips and feet to bend at ninety degree angles to improve seated posture. All these features can provide body stability to improve control of the arms.
How to Choose the Right Eating Devices for Hand Tremors
The best type of devices for you will depend on the severity of your tremors and your needs, budget, and preferences. Watch videos online and check product reviews. Occupational therapy practitioners are especially versed in adaptive equipment, activities of daily living, and strategies to assist with eating. Consult an OT if you need personalized assistance.
Additional Tips for Easier Mealtimes with Hand Tremors
In addition to using utensils for hand tremors, there are a few other things you can do to make eating easier:
Hand flicks prior to eating. YouTube Skills and Wellness tremor videos.
Eat slowly and mindfully.
Sit close to the table.
Stabilize one or both elbows on the table.
Use the non-dominant hand to support the dominant hand if needed.
Lean the body forward with each bite if tremors become difficult to manage.
On left, woman completes hand flicks prior to eating. On right, man uses two handed technique to stabilize drinking class. Images by pixelshot.Summary
Hand tremors can make eating a challenge, but there are a variety of utensils and adaptive options available to help people with hand tremors enjoy their meals with ease and confidence. Experiment with different strategies and equipment to find what works best for you. If you need customized support, consider consulting an occupational therapist.
Need Solutions for Drinking Too?
Our post on Adaptive Cups, Mugs, and Other Drinking Devices covers several products and ideas for steady hydration access. You can purchase specially designed products or adapt your own drinking vessels.
