New Spoon Design is Breakthrough for People With Mobility Problems

For some people with mobility-related conditions, using a traditional fork or spoon to eat can be a daily chore. Conditions like Huntington’s and Parkinson’s disease can cause the hands and body to involuntarily tremor, which can leave people feeling discouraged and embarrassed at mealtimes. Others have limited arm and hand movement and find eating equally hard. With either issue, eating out in public becomes undesirable and the person suffering tremors or limited-dexterity can fall silent in order to focus on eating.

However, users of new self-balancing and self-leveling utensils by Liftware are enjoying mealtimes again. Not only is it possible to eat food with a fork or spoon, but the discreet utensils are making conversation the focus of mealtimes again and putting mobility problems on the back-burner.

How does it work?

There are two models on offer from Liftware, the Steady and the Level. The Steady is a stabilizing utensil for people with tremors. The Level is a self-leveling utensil, designed to help people with limited arm and hand mobility.

Liftware utensils are designed in two main parts: the handle and the attachment. The attachment comes in regular spoon, soup spoon and fork arrangements, and are interchangeable. The handle houses the technology that either keeps the attachment level or offsets the effects of a tremor.

Inside the Steady, a computer detects both intended movements and unwanted tremors, then uses two motors to direct the fork or spoon in the opposite direction to the tremor. Liftware claims this technology has reduced tremor effects by up to 70%.

Inside the Level, a computer controls the motors to apply a gyroscopic effect to the fork or spoon attachment. This keeps the attachment level, no matter what angle the handle is held.

Is Liftware user-friendly?

Liftware products are made using medical-grade silicone and the fork and spoon attachments are dishwasher friendly, so they can be cleaned easily and thoroughly. The rechargeable battery lasts up to 1 hour of continuous use, or ‘approximately 3 meals’. Starter kits come with one spoon attachment and added attachments can be bought separately.

Is the product inclusive?

The Liftware technology is designed to aid with any condition in which tremors are a common symptom, or dexterity is an issue. Users have had success counteracting effects of Huntington’s and Parkinson’s disease, essential tremors, and tremors caused by multiple-sclerosis.

The Liftware Steady and the Liftware Level starter kits include a handle, a spoon attachment and charger, and costs $195.00 or approximately £156.00. Added attachments cost $34.95, or approximately £28.00. Liftware products are not currently shipping outside the USA, but the company are looking to ship to the UK later this year. A similar product is currently available on Amazon but it is more expensive than the Liftware product.

In the future, intelligent utensils like the Liftware could become a key to improved mobility and a staple of the mobility industry’s cause to change lives for the better.

Stechford Mobility offer mobility equipment services and products throughout the Birmingham area. With over 40 years experience, we provide a comprehensive and friendly service. We have been in the industry a long time, but like to keep abreast of the latest technology to get you living life again with the benefits of mobility aid. Please get in touch today to find out more about our products and services.