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If you have ever been around someone with Parkinson’s disease, then you know how frustrating it can be to eat or drink.
Or do you struggle to grip a regular spoon? Welcome to the world of Parkinson’s spoons!
These specially designed utensils make it easier for those living with Parkinson’s to eat and drink without spilling.
Read on to learn more about the best Parkinson’s spoons and where you can find them.
CHECK MORE: Gifts for People With Parkinson’s
Table of Contents
Best Parkinson Spoon Top Picks at a Glance
- GYENNO Parkinson Spoon and Fork – Medical-grade material, BPA-free
- – Made from polished stainless steel, which is resistant to tarnishing and oxidation
- – It is compact and can be brought to restaurants
- Liftware Steady Starter Kit for Hand Tremor – Perfect for cereals, soups, and liquids
- Special Supplies Adaptive Utensils (4-Piece Kitchen Set – Ergonomic design
5 of the Best Parkinson’s Spoons (Reviews)
At first glance, Parkinson’s spoons might not be very different from ordinary utensils. However, these stabilizing spoons are usually wider and heavier than normal kitchen utensils.
It’s normal for these spoons to feel “strange” when you grasp them for the first time. It will take a little bit of time for you to get used to their shape and weight.
As such, try using these spoons for at least a few weeks before you decide that they’re not the right fit for you.
1. Gyenno’s Self-Stabilizing Parkinson’s Spoon
The Gyenno spoon has several excellent qualities that make it a worthy addition to our list of the best Parkinson’s spoons.
For starters, Gyenno claims it decreases unwanted tremors by up to 85%, while its high-speed control system provides fast stabilization when you need it.
Also, the spoon’s sensors automatically distinguish between unconscious and intentional movements.
Gyenno’s product also switches on/off automatically, so you don’t have to worry about turning it off after finishing eating. It also has a sleeping mode to reduce power consumption.
However, Gyenno’s biggest advantage is that the device records your tremors and sends them to a cloud system that generates an algorithm to improve the spoon’s performance.
The more you use the Gyenno’s spoon, the better it will learn your habits and provide better stability while eating.
The spoon is also light and has an ergonomic handle made of medical-grade material to prevent slipping. It can handle hot liquids well-enough so that you don’t have to worry about the spoon melting.
This assistive device comes with a fork attachment with a rotation function, which is great if you like noodles and spaghetti.
Unlike ordinary spoons, Gyenno’s device has a battery that holds a charge for 180 minutes. This is enough for three meals a day, and the device has a notification light to easily check the battery status.
However, the handle is big, and it takes time to get used to it. The Gyenno’s spoon is also suitable only for people within the 7cm tremor range.
But it comes with a 6-month guarantee, and you can reach support if you have any questions.
Benefits & Drawbacks of Gyenno’s Self-Stabilizing Parkinson’s Spoon
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Significantly counteracts tremors through advanced stabilization techniques | Not suitable for all tremor ranges |
| Medical-grade material, BPA-free | Not the cheapest option |
| Prevents slipping | Chargeable only via USB connection |
| 6-month guarantee |
How to Use the GYENNO Parkinson Spoon and Fork
Here’s a video of how the GYENNO Parkinson Spoon and Fork can help you reduce food spilling while eating!
User Reviews and Testimonials
Deb B., an Amazon customer says that the product is extremely easy to operate and effective!
“I have a husband who is 80 years old and is having tremors on both his hands. GYENNO’s Spoon and Fork have been a BIG HELP in controlling the tremors. He was eating faster because of this!”
Where Can I Buy It?
You can buy the GYENNO Parkinson Spoon and Fork Set on Amazon and other medical equipment suppliers!
READ MORE: How Does the Parkinsons Spoon Work?
2. Vive Weighted Utensil Set
This utensil set has been made for independence. They provide steady meal times to people who experience tremors from Parkinson’s or Ataxia.
One thing I liked about the set is that it’s easy to clean as it’s made from stainless steel. The color on the utensils does not fade easily, and they can be cleaned conveniently.
The set weighs from 7.4 ounces to 7.9 ounces and can be extra stable to help people with weak grips due to tremors.
The ergonomic shape, helps people grasp it with ease.
The utensils are simple to use. Plus one can make necessary adjustments to avoid accidental spills, dropping of the utensils, and inability to grasp.
Benefits and Drawbacks of the Vive Weighted Utensil Set
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| The set is 4-piece, which includes a tablespoon, a fork, a soup spoon, and a serrated table knife | It’s heavy that when dropped, it can break the plate/dish |
| Thanks to the weight, tremors will be slower and more controlled by the patient | It does not give immediate improvement to general tremors |
| The patient wouldn’t need any help when eating | |
| The shape of the utensils helps the patient long-term | |
| Made from polished stainless steel, which is resistant to tarnishing and oxidation |
User Reviews and Testimonials
Carol Kirkland, a Vive Health customer, said the product is a fantastic addition to the tools her husband needs.
“The weighted set was able to help my husband a lot! We have one (1) set at home, and we also take one with us whenever we eat outside!”
Where Can I Buy It?
You can buy Vive Health’s Weighted Utensil Set straight from their website, but it’s also available on Amazon and eBay, too!
3. Vive Adaptive Utensil Set
For tremors, ataxias, and other involuntary movements, I would suggest this cutlery.
It is one of the best because of the ergonomic grips for convenient handling, and the bendability of the steel.
Like the weighted utensil set, it’s made from premium stainless steel tips for strength, durability, and longevity.
It’s safe to be used in a dishwasher, and it’s extremely flexible. This Adaptive Utensil Set is among the top choices for my arthritic hands, and I couldn’t complain more!
Its design is so helpful, that I did not experience any trouble holding it. It felt like my grip held it firmly in place, and the control I had over it was impeccably comfortable.
The total weight of this 3-piece set weighs 10.24 ounces. This is neither too heavy nor too light for people who are experiencing pain.
Benefits & Drawbacks of the Vive Adaptive Utensil Set
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| The handle of the set is specifically contoured rubber. This makes it easier and more convenient to use and control | The tablespoon is too wide and big, it can be difficult for eating |
| It is compact and can be brought to restaurants | It’s not heavy enough for therapeutically coping with tremors |
| The shape makes it easy to hold the utensils in the middle instead of the far-end (more control) | Since it’s rubber, it may be harder to dry when washed |
| The price is affordable for a utensil set that is therapeutic | |
| Stainless steel tips guarantee longer lifespans –be free from rust! |
How to Use the Vive Adaptive Utensil Set
Check out this video to see how Vive Health’s Adaptive Utensil Set is used and maintained, and watch it to see the product up close!
User Reviews and Testimonials
Dorothy Whitford says that the product is “absolutely great.”
“It is a must for people who have carpal tunnel or arthritic hands! Definitely recommended.”
Where Can I Buy It?
You can get the Vive Health Adaptive Utensil Set straight from the Vive Health website. Other than that, it’s also available on Amazon, as well as Walmart and eBay!
4. Liftware Steady Starter Kit For Hand Tremors
Besides Gyenno, Liftware is another company that offers excellent self-stabilizing spoons for people with Parkinson’s or people with essential tremors. [1]
The Steady spoon reduces shakes and trembling up to 70% so that your utensils remain steady during a meal.
The handle has built-in advanced sensors, a computer, and a motor to detect and counteract unconscious hand movements.
Most customers find using this Liftware assistive device easy and liberating because it prevents spilling food everywhere.
Moreover, Liftware’s spoon is suitable for cereals, soups, and liquids. It can hold approximately 15 ml of content, the same as any ordinary tablespoon.
Another advantage of Liftware is that the battery is rechargeable and lasts about an hour when fully charge.
Unlike Gyenno’s device, Liftware comes with a charge, and it easy to plug the handle into the charger when you’ve finished eating.
Liftware Steady Starter Kit also comes with a traveling pouch and a hand strap so that you can carry it with you without getting your utensils dirty.
You can also purchase everyday spoon, fork, and spork attachments separately.
Make sure that you don’t get the handle wet because of the electronic components. The manufacturer recommends wiping it with antibacterial wipes.
You can wash the spoon/fork attachments in the dishwasher or clean them with warm water and a sponge.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Perfect for cereals, soups, and liquids | Fork/spork/everyday spoon attachments sold separately |
| Has a traveling pouch | Not very suitable for severe hand tremors |
| The spoon holds about 15 ml of content. | |
| Reduces shaking up to 70% |
How to Use the Liftware Steady Starter Kit For Hand Tremor
Here’s a video that’ll teach you how you can set up Liftware Steady’s Starter Kit For Hand Tremor!
User Reviews and Testimonials
Bernadette Tuscano, who is an Amazon customer, said that it’s an effective alternative to medication!
“My neurologist suggested this and since then, I never had problems eating. I can finally eat my bowl of soup without it spilling!”
Where Can I Buy It?
It’s available on Amazon, but, you can also purchase it from Liftware’s website, as well as APA Medical!
RELATED: Best Weighted Gloves for Parkinson’s
5. Special Supplies Adaptive Utensils
If you’re looking for Parkinson’s spoons that are within any budget, you should take a look at Special Supplies and their Adaptive Utensils Kit.
For starters, it includes four eating utensils – a fork, a knife, a dinner spoon, and a soup spoon to cover all your meal needs.
Moreover, all the utensils are wider to counteract tremors in people with Parkinson’s or arthritis and have ribbed handles with texture grips to increase stability and hand control.
More importantly, each utensil is made of stainless steel, which ensures durability and functionality. You can also toss the spoons in the dishwasher when you’re done eating without damaging them.
The Special Supplies’ Adaptive utensil kit is also available in two colors – black and grey – to match your kitchen’s interior.
However, the utensils are non-weighted, which is a slight disadvantage for people with Parkinson’s. But the ergonomic design ensures that four utensils fit well into the hand and don’t slip.
Still, the handles are far too wide for some users. They also note that the silicone part of the spoon smells terrible.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| A set of four utensils | Not weighted |
| Ergonomic design | Handles might be too wide for some customers |
| Composite handles | |
| Dishwasher safe |
How to Use the Special Supplies Adaptive Utensils
Check out this video to get a closer look at Special Supplies’ Adaptive Utensils! Using them would be just like using regular utensils!
User Reviews and Testimonials
Judyb, an Amazon customer, said that the product is fab.
“Me and my husband are suffering from arthritis and he has Parkinson’s. We tried a lot of products like this in the market, but so far, these have been the best.”
Where Can I Buy It?
You can buy Special Supplies’ Adaptive Utensils on Amazon. It is also available for purchase straight from their website, too!
What to Look for in Parkinson’s Spoons?
Parkinson’s disease affects between seven to 10 million people worldwide. Unfortunately, scientists have yet to find a cure or understand what causes it. [2]
It’s a progressive condition that affects the dopamine-producing neurons in the brain and results in loss of motion control and involuntary movements.
Usually, Parkinson’s starts with barely noticeable tremors in one hand that gets worse in time. Your hands and fingers might shake and tremble so much that it could be hard to grasp things and hold them steady.
Moreover, Parkinson’s disease causes stiffness in the arms and legs and makes it hard to do simple tasks as the condition progresses.
Fortunately, thanks to the development of Parkinson’s spoons, you won’t have to worry about spilling food or needing someone to feed you.
When you’re shopping, the most important part is the handle. It should provide a good grip so that you can eat your meals comfortably without spilling.
In general, the best Parkinson’s spoon has sensors that learn your hand’s movement habits and predict unwanted movement for better hand stability. But these also tend to be expensive.
Spoons with rubber handles also have a good texture and prevent the spoon from slipping, but they don’t stabilize the hand so well. On the plus side, they’re cheap and affordable.
Besides stability and grasp, you should also consider what’s the spoon made of and how easy it’s to wash it. Usually, stainless steel and silverware might handle hot food better than plastic.
READ MORE: How to Eat With Parkinson’s Disease (Diet and Nutrition)
Are Parkinson’s Spoons Safe?
Some of the Parkinson’s stabilizing spoons contain magnets. As such, they can be dangerous for people with cardiac pacemakers, and you shouldn’t hold them too close to the body. [3]
To be safe, always read the product’s instructions and directions. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer or seek advice from your doctor.
Since some Parkinson’s spoons have electronic components, they should be kept away from microwaves and heating sources to avoid damage.
Moreover, make sure that you follow the cleaning instructions. Submerging these specialized devices in water might nullify the warranty, and you might not get a replacement.
Also, keep the spoons from aerosol or administered oxygen, as it might produce harmful effects. Wipe the handle after each use to prevent the build-up of bacteria.
Also: Best Weighted Pen for Tremors
Shaky Hands – How to Regain Control
We are aware that eating might become a stressful event for people with Parkinson’s or people, especially when you’re in restaurants or have guests.
So, we’ve got 5 tips on how to make your tremors less noticeable and overcome the challenges of daily life.
1. Stay Calm
Parkinson’s tremors negatively affect your motor skills, the ability to do daily tasks, and your self-esteem.
You start worrying about other people noticing your shaking, and it makes your tremors worse. That’s because stress and anxiety increase tremors related to Parkinson’s disease and ET (essential tremors).
If you’re trying a new Parkinson’s spoon, do it alone so that you don’t feel pressure to succeed.
Once you’re more confident in your ability to use the spoon, you won’t be nervous about doing it in front of other people.
Moreover, you might talk to your doctor about relaxation techniques to help with the anxiety. Regular exercise might also reduce your anxiety levels.
2. Don’t Forget to Take Your Medication
Since Parkinson’s disease causes bradykinesia (slowness of motion), the simplest tasks might take you longer than usual.
As such, it’s easy to forget to take your meds when you’re engaged in other activities. But taking your pills later than usual can have a negative effect on your tremors.
Use a timer or another device to remind you when it’s time for the medication. You might also engage a family member’s help to ensure you take your meds.
3. Keep Your Hands Busy
Parkinson’s tremors often occur while your hands are still. That’s why they’re called resting tremors.
One way to decrease the trembling is to keep your hands busy and make purposeful movements. This motion blocks the signals causing the resting tremors.
You can roll a coin around your fingers, squeeze a ball, or grasp something tightly in your hands. It will send the right message to the brain.
4. Avoid Food/Drinks that Make the Tremors Worse
Too much coffee can make any person shake from hands to toes. So, if you have Parkinson’s, you should avoid caffeine as much as possible since it can make your shaking worse.
You should also remove chocolate and other foods/drinks containing caffeine from your diet.
Also, pay attention to what you eat and how it influences your tremors so that you can adjust your diet.
5. Use Weighted Objects
Handling delicate objects can become frustrating when you have Parkinson’s. Consider replacing glasses and other essentials with heavier versions to make it easier to handle them.
If you’re not worried about breaking something, you’ll be more confident when you grasp glasses and other delicate things.
Learn more about Parkinson’s in this video:
READ MORE: Are Weighted Utensils Good for Parkinson’s?
Conclusion
A stabilizing Parkinson’s spoon can make all the difference when it comes to meals. Instead of dreading eating, you can enjoy it once more.
Gaining some of your motor skills back will also have a hugely positive effect on your confidence and self-esteem. Being self-sufficient again can work miracles on your quality of life!
So, don’t be afraid to try a Parkinson’s stabilizing spoon, and don’t give up too quickly! It takes time for your hand to, but when it does, you’ll soon notice an improvement in your trembling.
Our Top Recommendation
All are great, but we recommend the GYENNO Parkinson Spoon and Fork. The spoon is steady and has a 360-degree stabilization as a solution for mild to extreme hand tremors.
The GYENNO Parkinson is safe and chemical-free. They’re easy to use and perfect for everyone who is experiencing unwanted tremors.
You’ll find it convenient as it has a 180-minute rechargeable battery. The attachments can be dismounted and disassembled.
What do you think about these top Parkinson’s spoons? Have you ever used one, and what’s your opinion of such assistive devices? Tell us in the comment section.
Resources
- 1. Essential tremor – Symptoms and causes [Internet]. Mayo Clinic. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/essential-tremor/symptoms-causes/syc-20350534
- 2. Mayo Clinic. Parkinson’s disease – symptoms and causes [Internet]. Mayo Clinic. 2020. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20376055
- 3. Magnets May Pose Serious Risks For Patients With Pacemakers And ICDs [Internet]. ScienceDaily. Available from: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/11/061130081343.htm
My dad has a pacemaker and I just purchased gyenno, concerned about it because no one will get back to me on Twitter or email and their customer service number is international. Any ideas?
It seems like these would all be very helpful to a person who needs them.
This sounds really helpful. I love that there are different types of spoons that can be more helpful.
This would a great spoon for my father-in-law. It would help him eat better.
I feel better to know that someone thought about this delicate aspect of the disease and now there are options to choose from!
This is great information to know of sure and I appreciate you sharing. I did not even realize there were spoons that worked better for people with this issue and so good to know.
Thanks for sharing this information. It’s good to know there are utensils that make it easier for those living with Parkinson’s.
I’m glad there are options available to make eating easier for people suffering from Parkinson’s.
I had no idea there were so many options that are useful for those with Parkinsons or other challenges. These look like great products.
It’s great to know that there is a special kind of spoon that they could use and perhaps makes eating easier for them.
Anything that helps alleviate another person’s pain and struggle is worth trying out. I was astounded to find out that there are spoons intended for those with Parkinson’s disease. I consider them as not only vital assistive tools but more of an instrument of hope for those with such ailment, and a great help for the people who are taking care of them.
It’s great to know that there are assistive tools such as these spoons specifically designed for those with Parkinson’s. It is comforting in a way that these utensils can help alleviate the difficulties in eating that those with the disease are experiencing on a day to day basis.
This is great to know, there are so many people that are special that are in need of this spoon. Thanks for sharing this with us.
I didn’t know they had spoons that helped people with Parkinson’s, that’s awesome!
I think this is wonderful. I didn’t know there were even spoons out there for this.
I can’t imagine how hard it would be to use eating utensils with Parkinson’s disease. Thankfully one of these sets of eating utensils will make it so much easier to eat. Independence is critical for those who are sick. People with Parkinson’s will eventually have to be fed or tube fed once they can’t hold the adaptive eating utensils.
It’s great to know there are utensils that make it easier for those living with Parkinson’s. Thanks for sharing this information.
I didn’t know there is a certain spoon. It’s good to know this info.
Anything which helps people retain their independence is a godsend and well worth the investment. I have worked with people with disabilities in the past and small assistive devices like these make a world of difference to quality of life.
I’m so glad there are options for those with Parkinsons. I know it can’t be easy.
I don’t know anyone with Parkinson’s, but I’m sure these will be really helpful. It’s always nice to have choices.
I love that they make utensils to help those with Parkinson’s disease. I get hand tremors on occasion but never can catch them on video for the dr. I don’t think it’s Parkinson’s though, not at this point anyhow.
My best friend’s husband is dealing with Parkinson’s so I sent them this post. Adaptive aids such as this make a huge difference in the lives of those with debilitating illness.
Such a helpful post. I hope I never need it but glad to know there are options.
When I read about something like this I am amazed at what is being created. What a potentially very helpful device.
I had no idea they created spoons like this, decreasing tremors by so much ect! Pretty incredible!
I will keep these soups in mind. They all look tasty!
I can see how these spoons can help with Parkinsons. They have the shakes with their hands and can use help with eating.
This is always good to know. I don’t know anyone with parkinsons, but I think this will be very helpful for anyone who does.
I can’t imagine having Parkinson’s and having trouble eating with regular utensils. I like that they have made adaptive spoons for those with Parkinson’s.
Never realized that there are such utensils but of course, when I think about it, these are so necessary for so many. Thanks for highlighting this and sharing these spoons. I will keep them in mind for I do know a few people who will find them very useful for their loved ones
I had no idea such a handy and innovative utensil existed to assist individuals with Parkinson’s disease. It’s incredible how technology and design can come together to make a real difference in people’s lives.
I didn’t think about this at all, but I’m grateful to see people put effort into helping those with Parkinson’s disease.
There’s so many great options here. It must be so frustrating to have to deal with this disease.
That is good to know about that Parkinson’s spoon. I never knew they had such a thing.
Thank you for providing such a helpful article on the best Parkinson spoons. Your top 5 choices for every budget are a great resource for anyone looking for a solution to make eating easier for those with Parkinson’s disease.
This is great for those looking for spoons for those with parkinsons. I know it can be hard enough for them. It’s nice to see the different types of spoons.
It is great that these tools are available for those who have Parkinsons. Nice to have a variety of support options.
This will be so helpful for those with Parkinsons!
This is a wonderful resource for families who need this. I’ll be happy to save and share.
It’s nice there’s a lot of options and easy to find like on Amazon. That weighted one sounds interesting.
I’m glad there are so many options available for making things easier.
My parents have Parkinson’s disease. I’ll have to check out these spoons for them. Thanks for sharing 🙂.
If you need spoons for people with Parkinson’s disease, this is an excellent set for you to consider. Thank you so much for sharing
It’s amazing to know that others are developing products meant to better the lives of others – in this case, those with Parkinsons, these spoons would surely be of big help.
Parkinson’s is a very ugly disease but I’m thankful for tools like these spoons to help patients. I can’t imagine not being able to eat due to tremors.