Cutlery

This section includes cutlery and accessories with assistive features. Some are available as sets.

Cutlery weighing less than 45g may assist people who may have difficulty lifting standard cutlery. 

Enlarged handles may be easier to grip as they do not need to be gripped as tightly. Contoured handles are shaped to fit the contours of the hand. Handles that are textured or looped may also provide assistance.

Angled cutlery, where the cutlery head is positioned at an angle to the handle, may assist people with restricted movement. Swivel cutlery has a pivoting joint between the cutlery head and handle, which can help keep the cutlery head in a horizontal position.

Cutlery that is brightly coloured or has colour contrast may help a person who is experiencing memory loss.

Knives with a curved blade can enable food to be cut one-handed, as a fork is not needed to stabilise the food when cutting. Spoons and forks with shaped heads or shallow, flat or narrow bowls may assist when eating. Combination cutlery combines the features of knives, forks and/or spoons, enabling them to be used one-handed.

Non-metallic or plastic coated cutlery may help to prevent damage to the lips, teeth and mouth, and weighted cutlery may be useful if you have tremor.

Hand straps and holders are designed to assist with holding forks and spoons, and splints are designed to support the wrist when using cutlery.

Cutlery assessment kits include a range of cutlery items and modifications to enable professional assessment.