Mastering the art of how to properly use scoop plate for the elderly is a crucial fundamental skill for ensuring their dining experience is comfortable and enjoyable.
Having witnessed the dependency that comes with old age or with seniors, I’ve discovered that as simple as a scoop plate appears, understanding how to leverage it effectively using the right techniques can make a significant difference in promoting their independence and well-being.
Picture a world where every meal becomes a seamless pleasurable moment. In this guide, we’ll unravel essential tips and techniques, offering a roadmap for caregivers and seniors alike.
Join me in exploring the transformative power of correctly using the scoop plate, turning an everyday task into a source of empowerment and joy for our elderly loved ones.
WHAT IS A SCOOP PLATE USED FOR?
A scoop plate is used to help people who have difficulty using regular plates. It has a high rim on one side, making it easier to scoop food onto a fork or spoon, most times the fork or spoon might be eating utensils specially designed for the disabled.
The main purpose is to make eating more manageable for individuals with limited mobility or coordination.
HOW TO PROPERLY USE SCOOP PLATE FOR THE ELDERLY
Here are the steps to using a scoop plate for the elderly correctly:
- Put the scoop plate (we recommend using a scoop plate with a suction base) on a flat surface, like a table, with the higher rim facing the person.
- Arrange small portions of food along the higher side of the plate for easier scooping.
- Encourage the elderly person to hold their adaptive utensil in a comfortable grip, using their dominant hand.
- Guide them to scoop the food by pushing it against the higher rim, making it simpler to load onto the utensil.
- If needed, use the non-dominant hand to stabilize the plate, preventing spills.
- Modify the plate’s angle for comfort, ensuring they can scoop without difficulty.
- Encourage the elderly person to use the scoop plate independently to foster self-sufficiency.
Remember, the purpose is to make eating more pleasant and independent for the elderly person. Changes can be made to meet their unique needs and preferences.
SCOOP PLATES AND BOWLS WITH SUCTION BASES
Scoop plates and Bowls with suction bases are designed to achieve one goal: to assist the elderly or seniors who have physical challenges or disabilities mainly with eating independently.
I remember when I cared for my grandfather, we had to use either scoop plates or scoop bowls to assist him, and this requires patience and love.
These Scoop Bowls and Plates are typically made up of 100% safe silicone or safe-grade plastic material; the job of the suction base is to help secure the plate to the flat surface, preventing accidental spills.
You might ask how the suction base works. The suction base typically sticks through suction, creating a vacuum between the plate and the surface, providing stability during mealtime.
So, if you are worried that the elderly in the family are affected by motor skills, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, handicapped, and disabled these suction plates and bowls are designed for them to enhance their dining independence.
These scoop plates and Bowls are leakproof, they are easy to clean, and lightweight for the elderly to lift without pain in the wrist.
You might ask, are these suction plates and Bowls meant for Adults only? No, they are also recommended for Kids as you know kids learning to eat, and really cause a mess, so reduce the mess by getting Kids Suction plates and Bowls.
Finally, these suction plates and Bowls for Adults, senior citizens with various mobility issues, and Kids are safe for use in the dishwasher, microwave, and freezer; they are unbreakable and safe for consumption (free from harmful toxins).
SCOOP DISH OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Who are the people who need Occupational therapy?
These are people who find it difficult to engage in everyday important human activities like eating, they face challenges like injuries, disabilities, or developmental issues that may be due to their age or medical condition.
Imagine you love playing video games, but an injury makes it hard to use a controller.
An occupational therapist might swoop in, suggest cool gadgets to make gaming easier, and show exercises to improve hand strength.
In this vein, the phrase “Scoop dish occupational therapy” simply means employing the use of special dishes designed for people who are physically challenged to eat independently, the raised edges in the scoop dish help the patient to scoop the food onto the utensils more easily.
PLATE GUARD
If you pay close attention to the elderly while they eat, you will notice something round around the borders of the plate, which may be made of plastic or stainless steel and is known as a Plate Guard.
Plate Guards are simply designed for one purpose: to aid individuals with limited motor skills or dexterity.
How is the Plate Guard used? It is simply attached to the plate to do one job: prevent food from spilling off the edges so patients with various medical conditions can eat independently.
In addition, it is a known fact that patients with Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, or people with disabilities have benefitted enough from this tool as they achieve better coordination while eating.
DIVIDED PLATE
It is common practice for foodies to use a divided plate to get the maximum flavor out of their food, or for those on a diet or trying to lose weight.
The main goal of a divided plate is to enjoy the distinct flavors of each meal without them mixing; divided plates often come in compartments designed to separate different types of food.
In addition, it helps to keep your meal organized and inviting both for Adults and Kids, they are made up of various materials like plastic, ceramic, wheat straw, glass, or stainless steel.
The top 5 choices we recommend for divided plates are:
Corelle Livingware Divided Plate, Winter Frost White
Porcelain Portion Control Plate for Adults – Diabetic & Bariatric Diet
Stainless steel Portion Control Divided Plates for Adult Weight Loss
NUTRIUPS Durable Divided Plates | Portion Control Plates for Adults, Bariatric Diet
Unbreakable Wheat Straw Large Divided Plates
LIP PLATE AND INNER LIP PLATE
Individuals who have difficulties feeding themselves or have weak muscular control, such as children and the elderly, can now easily use one hand to feed themselves independently.
How so, you ask? It is now possible thanks to the largest manufacturer of home healthcare and rehabilitation equipment in the USA ( Maddak SP Ableware) that serves the senior citizens, handicapped, and rehabilitation sectors.
Elders with mobility issues can now utilize these adaptable plates as occupational therapy with confidence.
So, how does an inner lip plate or lip plate function? They are constructed with an interior lip that prevents food from sliding off the plate, allowing the user to simply press the food into the user’s feeding utensil.
Some have suction bases, while others are merely flat and sturdy, preventing movement when in use.
Finally, these lipped plates for the elderly can help guide food into their mouths, compensating for any difficulty caused by their disabilities.
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