Summary: Here are some tips that may help when eating out or at home.
- Sit in appropriate lighting where possible.
- Familiarise yourself with the table layout before drinks have been poured. Most table settings in restaurants are standard so it might help to practise at home.
- When reaching for a glass keep your hand low to the table and slowly move towards the glass with thumb and forefinger splayed.
- When ordering food, ask to have meat removed from the bone and/or cut if necessary.
- Ask others to use the clock face method to describe where food is placed on the plate, e.g. meat is between 2 and 6 o’clock.
- To help keep your clothes clean, use a napkin, placing it in your collar if necessary. Bring your own napkin so that the colour blends with the blouse or shirt you are wearing.
- Keep a ‘moist wipe’ in your pocket to clean your hands.
- Take your time.
- Ask for assistance when required.
- Consider using contrasting plates, cutlery, place mats etc.
- If there is a problem with food falling off the plate, consider using a plate with a lip on it or a plate surround that clips around the edge of a circular plate and helps keep food on the plate. The latter are available from NCBI’s shop.
These are only guidelines. Your local community resource worker can offer you more advice and practical training about ways to carry out everyday tasks. LoCall 1850 33 43 53 to arrange a meeting.