Many with arthritis and other hand and arm limitations find themselves using virtually one hand to feed themselves at the dinner table. Indeed, many have one good arm, while the other may be weaker. Using one hand to eat is harder than it looks, as dishes tend to slide uncontrollably on the tabletop. Even the food itself slips and slides across the plate, making it difficult to scoop or stick your dinner. When you can’t use your other hand to hold your dish in place, it makes everything tedious.

Of course, we sell many adaptive products for use in the kitchen and dining room, but of particular convenience when it comes to this problem is our adaptive plates and bowls. With these dishes, you will be well on your way to eating more easily with one hand. Just decide which of the following strategies you prefer.

A raised edge makes it easier to scoop

GripWare Scooper Plate

First, there are plates made with an edge that rises and makes it ultra-convenient to scoop. The GripWare Scooper Plate, for instance, is a simple white plate shaped with a high curved wall on one side to facilitate scooping. This high edge takes the place of your other hand, allowing you to push your food to the edge without accidentally knocking your food on the table and making a mess.

Suction pads give added stability

Freedom Dinnerware Scooper Plate with Suction Pad

While the GripWare Scooper Plate features rubber, non-skid feet to hold it in place, we also sell the extra stable Freedom Dinnerware Scooper Plate with Suction Pad. This plate is made with a patented vacuum system that sticks securely to the table and will prevent your dish from being knocked over if you accidentally hit it.

Keep your food separate with deep partition plate

Partitioned Scoop Dish

Another strategy for eating is to use plates with partitioned sections. Many people who have problems feeding themselves find that partitioned plates, like those used at parties, make it easier to round up their food. Even better than your average party plate is our Partitioned Scoop Dish, which is 1 1/2 inches deep.

Use any plate with the right plate guard

Extra Large Clear Plate Guard

However, perhaps you want to use your own plate, especially those beautiful holiday plates we all collect from time to time. The strategy for this would be to try out one of our plate guards, which are made to fit on any plate if you match sizes appropriately. The Extra Large Clear Plate Guard, for example, fits on large plates and like the scooper plates, provides an inconspicuous wall to push your food against.

A simple way to stop your plate from sliding

Dycem 8-inch Round Pads

If you are having the problem of your plate sliding on the table, especially with small saucers and ice cream bowls, the Dycem 8 inch Round Pads are rubber mats designed specifically to keep these items in place.

Do you feel like you are eating with one hand tied behind your back due to a physical limitation. These items will free you to eat with ease once again.