There is a range of equipment available to help maintain your independence when eating and drinking. From making changes to your existing cutlery to adaptive eating and drinking aids there are a lot of options available to you.
Equipment can be privately purchased from a wide range of retailers both online and on the high street. If you feel that you need further information or advice please call Adult Social Care on 0113 2224401 to make a referral. Someone will call you back to discuss the difficulties you are having and if necessary, arrange for an assessment when equipment may be provided to you, from Leeds Equipment Service, free of charge.
Seating
Having somewhere comfortable and safe to sit can make a big difference to your health and wellbeing. You will need to consider if it supports you in a good posture for the things you want to do in the chair (e.g. watching TV, eating and drinking), ensure you can get in and out of it easily and, of course, that it is comfortable.
You can find and buy these products online by
- Searching chair raisers or pressure cushions in your browser
- Viewing a list of daily living aid equipment providers on the Leeds Directory
Cushions
Pressure cushions can be added to existing chairs to help people avoid developing pressure ulcers when sitting. they come in a range of types including air filled and high-density foam shapes. It is important that the additional height of the seat cushion does not affect the angle of the person’s hips and knees.
Chair raisers
Chair raisers are useful for people who have difficulty raising from their existing chair. Chair raisers can be adjusted to a variety of chair types and sizes and come in a range of weight limits. Existing chairs with casters can rest in the raiser, or it may be possible to fit raisers into existing caster sockets.
To avoid the chair moving when sitting down, it is important that the person sitting in the chair does not drop down too heavily or that the chair is positioned against a wall.