Supporting Mealtime Independence: How OT Makes Eating Easier

At Forbes Care, we know that mealtimes are about more than just nutrition — they’re moments of independence, dignity, and daily routine. For clients living with reduced grip strength, tremors, or limited hand movement, eating can quickly become a source of frustration or fatigue. That’s where Occupational Therapy can make a real difference.

Our OTs assess the full picture — not just what someone eats, but how they eat it — and recommend small, practical changes that can restore confidence and control at mealtimes.

Simple Aids, Big Impact

We often recommend assistive mealtime tools that are tailored to a person’s unique physical and functional needs. Two of the most common solutions are:

Built-up cutlery – Featuring wider, cushioned handles, this cutlery is easier to grip and control. It’s ideal for clients with arthritis, tremors, or hand weakness, helping reduce the strain that comes with holding standard utensils.

Side bowls or scoop plates – These have raised or curved edges that help guide food onto a spoon or fork. They reduce the need for twisting wrist movements and can prevent food from spilling, making meals less stressful and more enjoyable.

What We Look For in a Mealtime Assessment

During an eating and mealtime assessment, our Occupational Therapists consider a range of factors to ensure that recommendations are personalised and effective. We assess:

• Hand positioning and grasp strength
• Sitting posture and how stable the plate or bowl is
• Signs of fatigue, tremors, or reduced range of motion
• Safety risks, such as choking or spills
• The client’s overall independence and enjoyment of mealtimes

We often work with carers and family members too — helping them understand how to support a person without taking over, and building simple strategies that promote confidence and autonomy.

When Mealtimes Become Challenging, We're Here

Whether it’s due to arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, a recent stroke, or age-related changes, struggling to eat independently can have a huge impact on someone’s quality of life. It can affect not only nutrition but also emotional wellbeing and social engagement.

Our team is here to help. Through Home Care Packages, NDIS, and private referrals, we can assess, trial, and recommend tools that make mealtimes more manageable, safe, and dignified — so that clients can continue enjoying one of life’s most important daily routines.

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