What should you do when assisting an older person who has difficulty eating because of arthritis?

According to the CDC, over 54 million adults in the U.S. have arthritis, a condition that can make simple daily tasks, including eating, a painful struggle. Discover what you should do when assisting an older person who has difficulty eating because of arthritis to help them maintain their dignity and receive adequate nutrition.

Quick Summary

Providing assistance to an older adult with arthritis requires patience and strategic adjustments to promote independence. Using adaptive utensils, modifying food textures, and creating a calm dining environment can alleviate pain and make mealtimes easier and more dignified. Encourage smaller, frequent meals and simplify food preparation to support their nutritional needs.

Key Points

• Use Adaptive Utensils: Use weighted or large-handled utensils to improve grip and control, reducing strain on sore joints during eating.

• Pre-Cut Food: Cut food into small, bite-sized pieces before serving to minimize the effort required for chewing and cutting at the table.

• Modify Food Texture: Offer soft, easy-to-chew foods like soups, mashed vegetables, and eggs to reduce fatigue during mealtimes.

• Optimize the Environment: Create a calm, distraction-free dining atmosphere and use non-slip mats to prevent plates and bowls from sliding.

• Encourage Independence: Allow the person to do as much as they can on their own. Provide gentle cues or hand-over-hand assistance only when necessary to maintain their dignity and control.

• Serve Smaller, Frequent Meals: Instead of large, overwhelming meals, offer smaller portions more frequently throughout the day to ensure adequate nutrition.

• Explore Nutritious Options: Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish, fruits, and vegetables to help manage arthritis symptoms through diet.

Understand the Challenges of Eating with Arthritis

Before implementing changes, it's crucial to understand why arthritis makes eating difficult. Pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints of the hands, wrists, and elbows can affect an individual's ability to grip, hold, and maneuver standard utensils. Fatigue can also make the effort of eating a full meal overwhelming. This can lead to frustration, reluctance to eat, and poor nutrition.

Optimize the Mealtime Environment

Creating a supportive and stress-free dining environment is a foundational step. By minimizing distractions and adjusting physical settings, you can help the person feel more comfortable and focused during meals.

• Reduce Distractions: A quiet, calm atmosphere is best. Turn off the television and loud music. This allows the individual to concentrate on eating without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
• Position for Success: Ensure the dining table and chair are at the right height. The person should be seated upright and comfortable, with their feet flat on the floor or a footrest, to promote good posture for eating.
• Use Non-Slip Surfaces: A non-slip mat under the plate and bowl can prevent items from sliding, reducing the need for tight gripping and the risk of spills.

Adapt Utensils and Tableware

Assistive devices are one of the most effective tools for helping an older person with arthritis eat independently. They are specifically designed to reduce joint strain and improve grip.

• Adaptive Utensils: Replace standard silverware with utensils featuring large, built-up, or cushioned handles that are easier to grasp. Weighted utensils can also help steady hands with tremors.
• Specialized Tableware: Consider dishes with built-up sides or plate guards. These features help push food onto the fork or spoon, preventing it from spilling off the plate. Pedestal mugs with two large handles are also available for easier gripping.
• Rocker Knives: These specially designed knives feature a curved blade and an ergonomic handle, allowing the user to cut food with a rocking motion rather than a sawing motion, which is difficult for arthritic hands.

Modify Food Preparation and Texture

Adjusting the food itself can make a significant difference. Simplify the task of chewing and cutting to reduce fatigue and effort.

• Pre-Cut Food: Before serving, cut food into bite-sized pieces to eliminate the need for the person to use a knife at the table.
• Serve Softer Foods: Prioritize meals that are easy to chew and swallow, such as cooked vegetables, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, and soups. Canned or frozen vegetables can also save preparation time.
• Consider Finger Foods: For individuals who struggle with utensils, offer nutritious finger foods like cheese cubes, sandwiches cut into quarters, or cooked chicken pieces. This promotes independence and dignity.

Comparison of Standard vs. Adaptive Tableware

Feature	Standard Utensils/Tableware	Adaptive Utensils/Tableware
Handles	Thin, smooth design, requiring a strong pinch grip.	Thick, ergonomic, and weighted for easier, less painful grip.
Plates/Bowls	Standard flat rim, no food containment.	Built-up sides or plate guards prevent food from slipping off.
Cups/Mugs	Single, small handle, can be difficult to grip and stabilize.	Two large handles or specialized lids for better stability and spill prevention.
Cutting	Requires significant strength and dexterity for sawing motion.	Rocker knives allow for a gentle rocking motion, minimizing joint strain.
Stability	Prone to sliding on the table, especially with tremors.	Non-slip mats or suction bases keep items securely in place.

Encourage Independence While Assisting

Finding the right balance between helping and allowing independence is key to supporting an individual's psychological well-being.

• Be Patient: Give the person plenty of time to eat. Avoid rushing them, which can increase stress and make eating more difficult.
• Empower Their Choice: Offer options and ask for their preferences. Allowing them to choose what they eat and when gives them a sense of control.
• Provide Gentle Cues: Instead of taking over, offer visual or verbal cues. For example, “Try another bite of soup,” or gently guide their hand to the utensil.

Conclusion: A Holistic Approach for Better Mealtimes

Assisting an older person with eating difficulties due to arthritis involves a compassionate and multi-faceted approach. By understanding the physical and emotional challenges, implementing adaptive tools and meal modifications, and fostering an atmosphere of patience and support, you can help them navigate mealtimes with greater ease and dignity. This not only ensures they receive proper nutrition but also enhances their quality of life. For additional support and professional guidance, consulting an occupational therapist can provide personalized recommendations for assistive devices and techniques.

Create a Positive and Nutritious Experience

Beyond physical assistance, focusing on the quality of the meal itself can be beneficial. Encourage a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as fatty fish, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which can help manage arthritis symptoms. Stocking up on pre-chopped ingredients or considering a meal delivery service can also reduce the energy required for cooking.

When to Seek Professional Help

While these strategies can be very effective, be mindful of signs that may indicate a need for professional intervention. If the person is losing weight, consistently refusing food, or has noticeable difficulties with chewing or swallowing, a consultation with a doctor, dietitian, or speech therapist is recommended. These professionals can provide further evaluations and specialized guidance.

Visit the Arthritis Foundation for more resources on healthy living with arthritis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of utensil for someone with arthritis?

The best utensils for someone with arthritis are adaptive tools with large, weighted, or ergonomic handles. Weighted versions can help steady hands affected by tremors, while wider handles are easier to grip with less pressure.

How can I prevent spills when an older person with arthritis is eating?

To prevent spills, use plates with built-up sides or plate guards that keep food contained. A non-slip mat placed under the plate or bowl can also stop it from moving around during the meal.

What foods are easiest for an older person with arthritis to eat?

Softer foods that are easy to chew and don't require much cutting are best. Examples include soups, scrambled eggs, well-cooked vegetables, yogurt, smoothies, and finger foods like soft sandwiches.

Is it better to feed the person or let them struggle to eat on their own?

It is always better to encourage independence and dignity by letting the person do as much as they can for themselves. Offer assistance gently by pre-cutting food or providing guidance rather than taking over completely.

How can I make meal preparation easier for a senior with arthritis?

To simplify meal prep, use pre-cut ingredients, stock up on frozen vegetables, and use kitchen gadgets like electric can openers or food processors. Batch cooking meals on days with more energy is also helpful.

What is the role of diet in managing arthritis symptoms?

A healthy, anti-inflammatory diet can help manage arthritis symptoms. Focus on foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like fatty fish, and plenty of fruits and vegetables, while limiting processed foods and excess sugar.

What should I do if an older person with arthritis consistently refuses to eat?

If an older person with arthritis consistently refuses to eat, consult a doctor or dietitian. They can help identify underlying issues like depression, medication side effects, or swallowing problems, and recommend appropriate interventions.