Assistive drinking devices

Assistive drinking devices include cups, mugs, glasses, bottles, drink holders, and straws (i.e., drinking tubes). They are classified as being assistive drinking devices if they can be used by someone who is disabled and has difficulty drinking independently with a standard drinking container. Individuals who have weak hands and arms, have limited hand or arm control, or have oral motor and/or swallowing difficulties may need to use an assistive drinking device.

Cups and mugs may be adapted or specifically designed to help with daily living. Non-slip bases are common so that the cup does not slip or slide on the table. Cup Holders are used to prevent the cup from being knocked over. Or, for cups that might be knocked over, no-spill lids may be used. Weighted mugs are also common for the individual who suffers from tremors.

Other features that are available in assistive drinking devices include: various handles: either one or two handles, handles that have large openings to make grasping them easier, containers with various length spouts to make drinking easier for the user; and mechanisms that control the rate of flow or the amount of liquid taken from the container. Assistive drinking devices can usually accommodate both hot and cold liquids, and some are designed to dispense thickened liquids for individuals who have dysphagia.

The people most likely to suffer from dehydration are those with severe disabilities who cannot use their hands and arms to help themselves to a drink. People with this limitation require assistance from a caregiver or a hands free drinking system that enables them to be able to take a drink independently.

A variety of hands free drinking systems are available and basically consist of one of the following three styles: 1) a cup holder with a cup or bottle with a long straw (i.e., drinking tube) attached to the lid that can be shaped and positioned near the lips of the user; 2) a bladder (that can contain a fairly large amount of liquid) with a long drinking tube that can be shaped and positioned near the lips of the user; or 3).a cup holder on a long arm that can hold a liquid container (like a can of soda) with a regular straw positioned near the lips of the user. In other words, the drink container can be positioned near the lips of the user with a commonly available straw, or the drink container can be positioned farther away with a long drink tube that can hold its shape so that the end of the tube can be positioned near the lips of the user. Either way, the user must move their head slightly to put their lips on the straw or drink tube. Also, if the liquid container is below the users’ lips, they must have adequate suction to bring fluid into their mouth.

Assistive drinking devices

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