Five Steps to Administrating Improved Mealtimes for Paralysis Patients

As a caregiver or spouse of a person affected by full or partial paralysis-or as paralytic yourself-you are aware that tasks that were once taken for granted are now much more difficult. Paralysis can occur due to any number of reasons, from injuries to the spinal cord to strokes and multiple sclerosis. Because the range of causes is so wide, it is difficult to arrive at a solution that is adequate for all patients.

Sustenance can be quite a challenge for a person affected by full or partial paralysis. Mealtimes can be fraught with many obstacles that one could not have imagined in the pre-paralytic state. Following are five recommended steps to improving mealtimes for paralytic patients-both for better nutrition and, in many cases, a step toward independence.

1. Secure Liquids with Cupholders

Hot liquids such as coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or soup can pose a special threat to paralytics. Not only is it difficult for such persons to ingest the liquids, but peril is presented when the beverage container is not secure on the table or wheelchair tray. For persons with full or partial paralysis cupholders are available which securely grip any flat, smooth surface with a patented vacuum base. These cup holders also fold up for easy transportation, and they have strong "arms" to hold in the beverage container. Sizes are available to hold containers from six to forty-six ounces.

2. Keep Foods Separate with Divider Plates

Divider plates are a special type of adapted tableware which segments different courses: one large section for main courses, and two smaller sections for side courses, dessert, fruit, or bread. Persons experiencing any type of paralysis may use divider plates for increased enjoyment during mealtime. After all, no one likes to have their green beans mixed with their meatloaf! Divider plates are the best way of keeping separate food separate. Not only that, but divider plates employ a vacuum base that is much stronger than any kind of "suction cups" or so-called "non-slip" pads found with other manufacturers.

3. Provide Tableware for Snacks