Equipment Information for Eating and Drinking

Being able to eat and drink independently can be difficult for some people. Children as well as adults may need to use equipment that can give them independence at meal times. To help with 'shakes' for instance, weighted cutlery can be of enormous help. Also, specially shaped drinking cups or cups with spouts can help people gain control over their liquid intake.

Staff at Disabled Living aim to help and give advice on products and equipment that may help make daily living both easier and safer.

The equipment centre staff have extensive knowledge of national and local suppliers of equipment and can offer practical advice and details of where to get most disability products.

Disabled Living has on loan from companies, 100's of different types of disability equipment.

If you wish to try the equipment and to speak at length with an Occupational Therapist about equipment suitable for your needs please telephone Disabled Living for an appointment on:

08707 601580

Or email a member of the Equipment Centre staff at: Karen.Martin@disabledliving.co.uk

In order for staff to give you the right information please include in your email the area where you live or work.

Eating and Drinking Equipment
If a disabled person has problems with conventional cutlery and crockery, there may be a piece of equipment that can make eating and drinking easier.

Plate Guards
Weighted, shaped or angled cutlery
Drinking straws with a non-return valve
Specially designed, shaped and spouted cups
Double handled mugs and cups
Specialist feeding equipment

Kitchen Equipment
Disabled people may find using conventional height kitchen work tops and
food preparation equipment difficult. The right type of equipment can make life easier.

Height adjustable kitchen units
Jar, tin and bottle openers
Specially shaped kitchen utensils-knives, graters, spatulas and peelers etc
Food preparation and cutting boards
And lots more

Second-hand Equipment
Almost all equipment can be bought second-hand. This is a good way of saving money if the equipment is in good working order and is a fraction of the cost new. But do be aware that second-hand goods will have a shorter life-span than new products. Also that any warranties may have run out or may not be transferable to another owner.

ALWAYS CHECK
The second-hand goods you are buying are in a good state of repair
Check no removable parts are missing
Ask for the original instructions
Ask to see the equipment working
Ask about any contacts the seller may have that could service or repair the
equipment

But perhaps most important of all-don't buy something because it's cheap; buy it because it is safe and suitable for you to use.

Disabled Living advise that people obtain guidance from an Occupational Therapist or other such healthcare professional before purchasing disability equipment.

Wiltshire Farm Foods
161 Mowbray Drive
Blackpool
FY3 7UN

Tel: 01253 304444
Email: blackpool@wiltshirefarmfoods.co.uk Web: www.wiltshirefarmfoods.com

Home delivery service of frozen complete ready meals. Extensive choice of over 175 meals and desserts. Also available wide range of special diets, ethnic and therapeutic meals. Free delivery.