Self-leveling spoons: What devices are out there to help a person with tremors to feed them self?
Primary tabs
What devices are out there to help a person with tremors to feed them self?
Question
Our answer
Products mentioned in our answer below are provided to inform you about the types of technologies available and have not been evaluated by CanAssist. They may or may not be appropriate for your particular situation. Some technologies and devices may require an in-person assessment. Speak with your health care provider for additional information and support.
Feeding oneself can be a challenge for people experiencing tremors. Recently, there has been growing popularity around the development of innovative utensils that remain stable while the hand is shaking. Now we are seeing many of these products becoming available, but it can be difficult to navigate what is out there and what is available. We have listed a few commercially available self-leveling spoons below for you to review:
- Steady Spoon by Performance Health uses counter weights within the spoon to keep it level. It also features a hook and loop strap for easy gripping. This product costs about $75 (CDN).
- ELISpoon by ELI Innovation also uses counter weights outside of the spoon to keep it level. The swivel capability between the spoon bowl and the handle allows for a full 360° rotation without spillage. The teaspoon option costs about $70 (USD), plus a shipping fee and the tablespoon option costs about $80 (USD). For improved gripping they recommend purchasing an EazyHold Universal Cuff attachment. This product is also available from Performance Health where it costs about $80 (CDN) for the teaspoon option.
- Gyenno Smart Spoon is another electronically stabilizing handle with a spoon or fork attachment. This product claims to offset 85% of tremors movement. It is available on amazon.com for about $270 (USD), plus a shipping fee.
If you would like to read more about adapted utensils we have another article that might be of interest.
If you still can’t find what you're looking for, please ask us a question.