Image by Helga's Lobster Stew used under the creative commons attribution license.
- A rocker knife makes it easier to cut food. Check out assistive-device catalogs for other one-handed eating utensils.
- For hands with poor grip strength, a piece of sponge rubber over the handle of the eating utensil makes it easier to grasp.
- Use non-skid shelf paper to keep plates, bowls, and cups from sliding.
- If one side of the mouth lacks feeling, swallowing may be affected. Put small amounts of food in the unaffected side of the mouth. This will make swallowing easier and help prevent choking.
- Food may tend to become lodged in the affected side of the mouth. The survivor can check for trapped food with a mirror and remove it with tongue or fingers.
- When eating out, order food that is easy to eat and cut (for example, chopped steak or fish fillets). Or request that the meat be cut into bite-size pieces in the kitchen.
- Try chopsticks; they only require one hand.
