Study Modules > Module III: Meal Preparation/Eating/Medication

Meal preparation and taking medication are known as IADLs (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living). Older persons commonly require assistance from another person for these activities. Eating is considered as an ADL (Activity of Daily Living). Most individuals are able to feed themselves independently. When difficulty occurs, providing an assistive technology solution and/or home modification can help the older individual remain independent or assist the caregiver provide care.

In this module, we covered from commonly used assistive devices to newer devices on the market. The devices illustrated in this module are used to serve as examples only for the type of devices that are available to help the caregiver and care recipient with preparing meals, eating, and taking medication. It is not our intent to recommend these devices over other devices available on the market. This module includes photos and video clips that show a client using some of the devices.

Selection criteria of assistive devices in this module are in the order of: 1. suitability for various levels of physical and cognitive impairments, 2. ability to ease physical stress for caregivers, 3. easy availability, 4. Great usability and convenient storage, 5. esthetic, 6. variety of prices, and 7. novelty to the market.

This material covers:

1. Work Simplification and Energy Conservation
2. Meal Preparation – One of the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living
   1. Devices for Meal Preparation
      1. Devices for cutting, peeling and chopping
         1. Rocker-T knife
         2. Ergonomic Right Angled Knives
         3. Cutting Boards
         4. Peelers
         5. Electric Food Processors
      2. Devices for opening containers
         1. Can Openers
         2. Jar Openers
         3. Bottle and Jar Holders
      3. Mixing and Stirring Devices
   2. Food Storage
   3. Cookware Selection
3. Safety Devices for the Kitchen
   1. Stovetop Fire Extinguisher
   2. BurnGuard Body Apron
4. Organizing the Kitchen
   1. E-Z Reacher
   2. Utility Wheeled-Carts
   3. Using Appliances
      1. Universal Grip
      2. Stove & Refrigerator considerations
      3. Storage
      4. Adequate Lighting
5. Devices for Eating
   1. Lip plate
   2. Weighted cup and utensils
   3. Devices for Cutting Food
   4. Cups for Self-feeding
   5. Foam Tubing
   6. Steady Spoon
   7. Self-feeding Support Devices
6. Age-related Change Affects Eating
7. Managing Medication
   1. Pill Organizers
   2. Pill Planners
   3. Talking Prescription
   4. Automatic Pill Dispenser
   5. Palm PDA Software
   6. Syringe Magnifier
8. Very Short Quiz
9. References

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