Being unable to enjoy activities that you once did because of recent disabilities can be extremely frustrating. For many stroke survivors, dining is one such activity. Using utensils, sitting up to the table, and swallowing are often difficult following a stroke.

In addition to help from health professionals such as a speech therapist and a nutritionist, specialized utensils and dishes are available that may make dining less frustrating and more enjoyable. Whatever the obstacle, patience plays a key role in improving your dining experience.

• A plate guard or scooped plate can be used to scoop food onto a utensil. The guard attaches to most plates and is commonly used by people who have controlled movement with only one hand. Food can be pushed by a utensil against this wall-like device that curves along the edge of one side of the plate. A damp washcloth or rubber product can be used to stabilize the dish to make dining easier as well.

• Stroke survivors often find it difficult to control their food. This can be made easier by using utensils with built-up, bendable, or weighted handles. Built up handles increase the surface area of the utensils to reduce the need for a fine pinch to hold the utensil, instead only requiring a gross motor grasp. Rubberized handles prevent the grip from slipping. Weighted handles are useful for a person who has tremors or uncontrolled movements that cause spilling. The heavy weight of the handle can reduce the amount of movement in a shaking hand.

• Swivel forks or spoons keep food in the same position while the handle of the utensil moves. This is useful for a person with unwanted hand movements to decrease spilling food before it reaches her mouth. People who have difficulty holding utensils can also use universal cuff utensils. The cuff fits around the hand and the utensils are attached to the cuff, requiring only arm movements to control the food. It is often necessary for people with limited or compromised hand movements, such as being unable to pinch or grasp, to use these utensils.

• Drinking can be made easier by using a cup with a lid and straw. This replaces sipping from the side of a cup, which is important for a person with reduced muscle control at the mouth. This reduces the risk of spilling or dribbling. A weighted cup is similar to weighted handles on utensils. This weighs down a hand with tremors or uncontrolled movement, reducing spills.

• For a person who is not in a wheelchair but has trouble controlling their body posture, it is important for them to have a chair that supports their posture while at the dining room table. It is also important for them to have adequate cushioning that properly fits the chair. To make dining as comfortable as possible, a person in a wheelchair should have access to a table that is of a proper height for the wheelchair.

• In addition to using specialized utensils and tools, survivors of severe strokes may need to have their food chopped, ground, or pureed. Sometimes, liquids need to be thickened. A speech therapist can give advice on how to avoid swallowing or choking problems. The patient’s physician or a nutritionist can help to develop a specialized diet and fluid intake amount to lessen the chance of additional strokes.