Disability Rights Center of New Hampshire

Adaptive Kitchen and Eating Tools

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Consult your healthcare provider to determine the right assistive technology for your needs.

Adaptive Kitchen & Eating Tools

Adaptive kitchen and eating tools are designed to increase your success, safety, and independence. There are devices available to help with every aspect of meal preparation and eating, depending on your needs. 

    • Adaptive Knives: There are several types of adaptive knives, including rocker knives, T-handle knives, circular rolling knives, upright handle knives, and those with angled handles. These knives are designed to be ergonomic and easy to use with one hand. They can be helpful if you have pain, limited strength, or reduced mobility in your upper body.
    • Adaptive Cutting Boards: These cutting boards are designed for one-handed use, making food preparation easier. Many have non-slip surfaces, prongs to hold food in place, and raised edges to prevent food from sliding off.
    • Adaptive Utensils: There are various types of adaptive utensils designed to meet different needs. Some have built-up grips or handles, while others vary in weight, angle, size, length, or material. These utensils can help you eat more independently if you have limited strength or mobility in your upper body, neck, or head.
    • Universal Cuff: This device helps if you have limited grip strength or dexterity to hold items like utensils, writing tools, or a toothbrush. It wraps around your palm, secures with a strap, and has a pocket to hold objects, allowing you greater independence in daily tasks like eating.
    • Adaptive Plates/Bowls: There are different types of adaptive plates and bowls designed to help you eat more independently. They may have raised or scooped edges, non-slip bottoms, suction cups, or dividers. You can also attach a plate guard to a standard plate to help with scooping food onto a utensil.
    • Nosey Cup: This cup has a cut-out edge, so you can drink without tilting your head back. It helps improve safety and independence if you have limited head or neck mobility or a higher risk of choking.
    • Non-slip Mats (Dycem): Dycem is a reusable, non-slip material that helps with meal preparation and eating. You can place it under cutting boards, plates, or bowls to keep them from slipping or use it to grip and open jars or bottles more easily.

How Can I Get An Adaptive Kitchen & Eating Tool?

You can buy or rent new and used tools from various sources, depending on your needs and preferences:

  • Online Retailers: Many tools are available for purchase from online retailers, offering a wide range of options and prices. Be sure to research reputable sellers and check reviews before purchasing.
  • Local Organizations or Nonprofits: Drugstores and community organizations or nonprofits may lend or rent these kinds of tools, especially for short-term use.
  • Healthcare Facilities: Some clinics, hospitals, or rehabilitation centers may provide tools for short-term use during recovery.

Each option has its benefits, so consider your budget, intended use, and whether you need long-term or short-term access.

Insurance Coverage: Adaptive kitchen and eating tools are usually not covered by insurance because they are not considered to be medically necessary. Some exceptions may apply, so contact your insurance provider for exact details.

List of Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Providers and Equipment Loan Closets in NH

DRC-NH does not endorse any of the providers listed below. This information is provided solely for informational purposes.

A helpful resource list from our friends at NH Family Voices

COA Chapin Senior Center Mobility Equipment Loan Closet (greater Kearsarge area)

Joseph’s Closet

Keene Medical Equipment

National Seating and Mobility

Refurbished Equipment Marketplace (REM)

Rehabilitation Equipment Associates, Inc. (REQ)

Renmar DME

All About Assistive Technology

Consulting with a healthcare provider, such as a primary care provider (PCP), physical therapist, or occupational therapist, is essential to determine the right assistive technology for your needs. They can assess your situation, recommend the most suitable technology, and provide training on how to use it safely and effectively.

Assistive Technology

We help individuals identify and acquire technology necessary to help students access their curriculum, assist individuals who want to work become employable and successful in the job market, and help people with disabilities enjoy life and stay engaged with their communities.

The information above was created as part of a capstone project by a 2024/2025 LEND Trainee in collaboration with the NH-ME LEND Program.

Learn more at https://iod.unh.edu/nh-me-lend.

About DRCNH

Disability Rights Center – New Hampshire is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating barriers for people with disabilities across New Hampshire. DRC is the federally designated protection and advocacy agency for New Hampshire and has authority under federal law to conduct investigations in cases of probable abuse or neglect.

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