Food and eating

• Always eat when seated at a proper table – a tray on your lap is too unstable
• Don’t avoid eating out – maintain your social activities!
• Use a footstool if your feet do not comfortably rest on the floor when seated to eat
• Try using cutlery that has specially adapted handles which are angled or weighted for ease of use, or ‘rocking’ knives that can be used one handed
• To reduce spillages, try using two handled cups or beakers, or a large mug filled only halfway
• Use an insulated cup to keep hot drinks warm
• Specially weighted cups can help reduce tremor
• Use a straw (if possible with a one-way valve to prevent liquid going down again) and don’t overfill cups
• Placing your elbows on the table can help to steady your hands and arm when eating
• Try raising your plate on a book or box so that the distance your hand has to travel to your mouth is shorter
• Using a damp cloth or special non-slip mat under a plate can stop it moving as you eat
• Try using a special keep-warm plate that stops food cooling so quickly, or microwave food mid-meal when it becomes cold to ensure food remains appetising. Some plates also have angled, high rims to prevent spillage and make it easier to get food onto cutlery
• A bib or apron will keep clothes clean if food is spilled (disposable and wipe-down plastic are available). A plastic tablecloth is also useful
• See also: for information on diet, equipment and foods to look for or avoid