27 March 2024
Written by Jennifer Clarke,
Clinically reviewed by Sharon Coyle
If you have reduced grip, limited sensation, use a mobility aid, or are bed-bound it can be difficult to carry out small tasks you may have managed in the past. When your strength and stability isn’t what it once was, you may find it hard to make your morning coffee or take a refreshing cold drink. This is when a drinking aid could be just what you need.
Drinking aids are designed to make these tasks easier and more manageable so you don’t always have to rely on others, or deal with spills and drips.
There are many kinds of drinking aids for different needs. Whether you struggle to lift a kettle whilst making your morning cuppa, or find it difficult to hold a cup steady, Complete Care Shop is here to help you find the products that can help you to stay more independent every day.
Everyone’s individual needs are different, so we have a range of items that help with various challenges. If you’re not sure what options are out there or what might work best with your needs, this guide is for you.
Drinking aids can:
Drinking bottles
If you find it difficult or have restricted/no ability to use your arms, drinking bottles may be the right fit for you.
They are designed to fit to a bed frame, wheelchair, or similar base, and generally have a long, flexible tube straw that lets you drink without having to lift or move the whole bottle. Handy clips keep the straw attached to clothing and make it easier to take a drink whenever you need to – even without any use of your arms as you can keep the straw positioned within reach of your mouth.
Drinking bottles may feature non-drip valves that let you gently drink from the mouthpiece without the risk of spills. Bottles like the Hydrant 1 Litre Water Bottle With Drinking Tube have a bite valve, which only opens when pressure is applied as you take a drink. When you’re finished drinking and release the valve, it closes to prevent leaks.
To ensure good hygiene (especially if you’re more susceptible to infection) cleaning kits such as our Hydrant Drinking System Cleaning Kit keep all parts of the drinking bottle safe to use – including long straws that can be difficult to keep clean.
Keeping up a regular, suitable antibacterial washing routine makes sure each part of the drinking bottle is squeaky clean when you need it.
Drinking cups and mugs can have several different features depending on what you might need extra help with.
Here are the main points to consider when choosing your cup or mug:
If you struggle to grasp or control a typical mug then a two-handled one – such as the Wade Dignity Two Handled Mug – may be easier for you. With a handle on each side there are more options to grip or control it whilst you drink, and you can also hold it with both hands if this feels more secure.
Mugs such as the Handsteady Mug actually have a mobile handle that helps to keep the mug level if you have tremors.
Mugs and cups with detachable lids and non-spill spouts give some extra security when it comes to spills, letting you drink more confidently. Some even have interchangeable spouts to cater for liquids like chunky soups, such as this Drinking Cup, or are made from temperature sensitive material to let you know when the liquid is still hot.
When choosing your drinking cup or mug, you should consider its size and weight: if it’s too heavy when full it may be more difficult for you to handle.
You should also consider the handle design, not just the number of handles. Some mugs and cups have angled or adjustable handles that may suit, or be tailored to, your specific grasp.
The Handy Cup has a large, circular base as well as a slanted rim and two handles. The large base makes it more stable on surfaces so that you can pick it up or put it down more easily, with less risk of spills or accidentally knocking it over.
The material is also important to consider. A sturdy, plastic design is less prone to damage if dropped - but make sure the cup or mug’s surfaces are free from joins and crevices that are hard to clean. Some are also dishwasher safe, making them easy and convenient to keep clean.
The Insulated Mug with Lid is able to keep hot or cold drinks at your desired temperature for longer, with a lid and handle to help reduce accidental spills – so you can savour your beverage if you’re slower at drinking.
Simple accessories that help you to drink more comfortably are one-way straws such as the NRS Healthcare Pat Saunders One Way Drinking Straws. This simple tool has a non-return valve that means you don’t have to be sucking hard through the straw each time; as it stops the liquid dropping back down the straw between sips. It also means that you’re less likely to accidentally ingest air whilst you drink.
If you have weaker grip or unsteady hands, simple tasks like using the kettle can become more dangerous. Kettle tippers are a simple solution that does most of the heavy lifting for you – all you need to do is tip the kettle to pour the water.
The Universal Kettle Tipper is designed to fit most kettle types, so you can use it with your existing kettle. The Uccello Kettle is an all-in-one kettle with tipper built in, and is specially designed for use by those with limited reach, mobility, dexterity, or strength.
Another alternative to consider may be a two-handled kettle, with more grip options for you to carry or lift it as you make drinks.
Instead of struggling with lifting a heavy kettle, you can use a jug or your cup to fill it with just the amount of water you need. It won’t be as heavy, and you won’t need to carry the kettle around to fill it.
If you feel you would benefit from a drinking aid, you may find other eating and drinking aids useful. For a wider selection of products that help all around the kitchen, you can also browse our full range of kitchen aids.
If you’re still unsure which drinking aids are best for your individual needs, you can get free, expert advice from our amazing team of Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs).
Our OTs and OTAs always have your health and needs in mind. Their advice has no strings attached, and they will never encourage you to purchase items that aren't right for you. Get in touch today.
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