Weighted utensils for tremors, plus grips, scoop plates and fit
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- Vive Weighted Utensil Set. Best for: Hand tremor with good grip. See options on Amazon
- Vive Adaptive Utensil Set. Best for: Weak grip, arthritis or limited wrist movement. See options on Amazon
- Vive Spill-Proof Scoop Plate. Best for: Food sliding off the plate. See options on Amazon
Why tremor makes eating hard
NINDS says tremor can make daily tasks such as writing, typing, eating, shaving and dressing more difficult, and that common symptoms include problems holding and controlling utensils. Doctors may test functional limits such as the ability to hold a fork or cup.
Among lifestyle changes for mild to moderate tremor, NINDS lists working with physical, speech and occupational therapists, using assistive tools such as special plates, spoons or heavier utensils, reducing caffeine, taking medicines on time, reducing stress and getting enough sleep, since some tremors worsen with tiredness.
NINDS adds that some tremor can be triggered by stress or strong emotion, physical tiredness or certain postures, so meals may go better when you are rested and not rushed. Beyond eating, it suggests clothes with Velcro instead of buttons and slip-on or no-tie shoes.
Three kinds of adaptive eating aid
| Aid | What it does | Vive example |
|---|---|---|
| Weighted utensils | Extra weight to steady the hand | Knife, fork, tablespoon and soup spoon, each over 200 g, with extra deep spoon bowls |
| Built-up, bendable utensils | Wide grip and adjustable angle | Non-weighted set with wide textured handles; fork and spoon bend |
| Scoop plate or bowl | High curved edge to push food onto the utensil | 9 inch plates with a 1.54 inch scoop edge and non-slip ring |
Details are from Vive's product pages. Vive says its weighted pieces are about 4 times heavier than traditional silverware; its bendable set and scoop plates are not weighted.
Weight or grip: which helps you
- Shaky hand, good grip. Try weighted utensils first; extra weight is meant to dampen the shake.
- Weak grip or arthritis. Built-up, textured handles may help more. Vive says its adaptive set's wide handles are for weak grip, arthritis, tremor or dexterity issues.
- Limited wrist movement. Bendable utensils let you set the angle of the bowl or tines toward your mouth, as Vive describes for its set.
- Food sliding off the plate. A scoop plate or bowl gives you an edge to push against.
- Arm fatigue. If your arms tire easily, try a single weighted piece before buying a full set.
Scoop plates and bowls
Vive describes its scoop plate as having a raised lip so food can be pushed onto a fork or spoon, a non-slip ring on the base, and a bright blue color for contrast on light surfaces. Its scoop bowl uses a built-in suction base to resist sliding or tipping, and Vive's bowl and plate set adds high curved edges with suction bases for people with tremors, Parkinson's, arthritis or after surgery.
Vive says its plates and bowls are microwave safe and top-rack dishwasher safe. Check the base works on your table surface, since suction needs a smooth, flat surface.
Care and practical tips
- Cleaning. Vive says its weighted set can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher, and its adaptive and scoop pieces are dishwasher safe.
- Sit well. Sit upright at a table at a comfortable height, with forearms supported if possible.
- Smaller portions. Deep spoon bowls help, but smaller bites are easier to control.
- Cups. A cup with a lid or two handles can reduce spills; ask your therapist which style suits you.
For other daily-living aids, see our jar opener guide and handheld reacher guide.
When to see a specialist
NINDS says treatments such as medicines and, in some cases, surgery are available to help manage tremor symptoms, that medicines are effective in about 50% of people with tremor, and that treating an underlying condition can sometimes reduce it. Some tremor is mild enough not to need treatment. See your doctor about new or worsening tremor, and ask for a referral to an occupational therapist, who can assess eating and suggest the right utensils. If swallowing is difficult or you cough when eating, ask about a speech therapist too.
What to look for when you buy
Vive Weighted Utensil Set
Best for: Hand tremor with good grip
Vive lists a knife, fork, tablespoon and soup spoon, each over 200 grams.
Watch out: Try one piece first if your arms tire easily.
See options on AmazonVive Adaptive Utensil Set
Best for: Weak grip, arthritis or limited wrist movement
Vive lists wide textured handles and bendable fork and spoon; the set is not weighted.
Watch out: Bend gradually to find a comfortable angle.
See options on AmazonVive Spill-Proof Scoop Plate
Best for: Food sliding off the plate
Vive lists a 1.54 inch scoop edge, non-slip ring and contrasting blue color.
Watch out: Not weighted; check the base on your table.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Do weighted utensils help tremors?
- NINDS lists heavier utensils among assistive tools that can lessen tremor and make eating easier.
- How heavy are weighted utensils?
- It varies; Vive says each piece in its set weighs more than 200 grams.
- What are built-up utensils?
- Utensils with wide, textured handles that are easier to grip with weak or arthritic hands.
- What is a scoop plate?
- A plate with a high curved edge so food can be pushed onto a fork or spoon.
- Who can help choose eating aids?
- An occupational therapist; NINDS lists working with therapists as a way to adapt to tremor.
Sources
- Tremor (www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/tremor), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- Weighted Utensil Set (vivehealth.com), Vive Health
- Adaptive Utensil Set (vivehealth.com), Vive Health
- Spill-Proof Scoop Plate (vivehealth.com), Vive Health