INTENDED PURPOSE AND USE: Increased independence and safety with self-feeding.

BODY FUNCTIONS AND STRUCTURES REQUIRED FOR SUCCESSFUL USE OF CURVED UTENSILS:

·       At least one intact upper extremity (UE)/hand

·       Sufficient range of motion (ROM) and strength in intact hand to grasp device

·       Sufficient active range of motion (ROM) in intact UE to bring hand to mouth

·       Ability to motor plan

DEFICITS CURVED UTENSILS COMPENSATES FOR:

·       Inability to supinate the forearm to sufficiently and effectively bring utensil to the mouth (decreased forearm active range of motion (AROM) and/or decreased forearm strength).

·       Decreased elbow flexion

·       Decreased wrist flexion

DIAGNOSES CURVED UTENSILS ARE COMMONLY USED FOR:

·       Osteoarthritis

·       Rheumatoid Arthritis

·       Gouty Arthritis

·       Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)/Stroke

·       Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

·       Cerebral Palsy (CP)

·       Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

·       Parkinson’s Disease

·       Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) – Complete or Incomplete

·       Muscular Dystrophy

·       Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)/Lou Gehrig’s Disease

·       Guillain-Barre’

·       Dementia

SUGGESTED STRATEGIES FOR ADAPTIVE UTENSILS:

·       Shop department stores for regular utensils with larger handles for minor grasp problems if you prefer to have attractive dining ware.

·       Bring your adaptive utensils with you when dining out for eating with ease and enjoyment. Adaptive utensils can help maintain dignity during meals.

·       Restaurant owners/managers might consider having built up handle utensils on hand for guests with special eating needs.