Are you a person affected by spasticity? Are you a caregiver of such a person? Then you are well aware of the problems presented by mealtimes. Plates of hot food, cups of hot liquids, slipping and sliding dishes and plates and bowls: all seem to have a mind of their own, and never seem to want to stay in one place.

Spasticity rehabilitation most often focuses on ease of pain and increased mobility for the affected patients. Rehabilitation also focuses on control of limbs and extremities, speech, body posture, balance, and other vital functions affected by spasticity.

Stroke survivors often must meet the challenges presented by spasticity in their everyday lives—particularly, tasks related to mealtimes.

Mealtime Independence Vital – Studies Indicate

Double-blind studies repeatedly show that adults affected by this condition recover more quickly when they are allowed to participate in everyday tasks independently. And of course one of the most common everyday tasks is centered around mealtimes. In no other area of life is the control of fine motor skills as important as during mealtimes.

Persons affected by spasticity most often request cup holders that resist impulsive hand motions and tremors–yet provide ready access when the beverage is required. Typically, such cupholders fall into one camp or the other: they do not effectively secure the beverage or, if they do secure the beverage, they do not provide easy access to the container.

Adaptive Cupholders for Spastic Patients

Folks affected by spasticity will appreciate cup holders that represent the best of both worlds. Cup holders manufactured by Freedom Dinnerware are available in large or standard sizes (large for cups between sixteen and forty-six ounces; standard for beverages between six and sixteen ounces). These cup holders simply refuse to move under pressure from errant motions and tremors.

A unique patented vacuum base system adheres the cupholder to any smooth, flat surface—yet can be quickly removed.

Dishes, Plates, and Bowls Too

In fact, this vacuum base system works so well that Freedom Dinnerware uses it for its other line of tableware items: scoop bowls, divider plates, and dishes. This base system is composed of two crucial parts. First, there is the flat bottom section which securely grips flat surfaces such as tables or wheelchair trays. Then there is the upper section—the plate or bowl—which screws into the base as easily as turning a lid onto a jar.

But there is another great feature: patients affected by spasticity also appreciate the scoop plate with its unique, computer-designed “lip” to keep food in the plate.

Another item, the divider plate gives persons affected by spasticity the option of keeping different foods on their plate separate. Too often, hand tremors will mix unrelated foods, making the mealtime far less enjoyable.

Too often, plates, bowls, and dishes specially adapted for spastic patients are made of materials that easily break or which melt in microwaves or dishwashers. Freedom tableware is completely microwavable and dishwasher-safe—meaning easy cooking, easy clean-up.

Finally, in the rare event that a person with spasticity should drop their Freedom tableware, it will not break, chip, or crack. Under normal conditions, Freedom’s line of dinnerware and cupholders is virtually indestructible.

When patients can control and more effectively manage their mealtimes, they will find the road to rehabilitation easier and more enjoyable.