Staying hydrated is essential, but for many people living with reduced mobility, health issues like arthritis or Parkinson’s, or complications following a stroke, using a regular cup can be frustrating – and at times, even unsafe. That’s where adaptive drinking aids come in – part of a wider group of products known as Daily Living Aids.
In this guide, we’ll explore a range of daily living aids – easy-grip, non-spill cups and mugs for adults – designed to make drinking safer and easier. Whether you're shopping for yourself, a loved one, or a patient, we’ll help you find occupational therapist-recommended drinking aids that are both practical and comfortable to use.
Daily Living Aids
Daily living aids are pieces of equipment that help make it easier for people to complete everyday activities and tasks.
When you have limited mobility, or a mental impairment, everyday tasks can be a challenge. That's why we've put together this guide. And, this time round, we're looking at cups and mugs.
Ability Superstore's range of quality cups and mugs is one of the best in the UK. And, don't forget, a lot of our daily living aids are available with VAT relief. So, if you’re eligible for VAT relief, set the – Change VAT type – toggle to – With VAT Relief – at checkout, then complete the VAT-relief declaration to confirm your eligibility and save 20%.
Adaptive Cups Available
Handy Cup
Let's start right at the beginning with one of our most popular cups we've ever stocked – the Handy Cup. When someone mentions drinking aids, we instantly think – Handy Cup!
This cup reduces the possibility of accidental spills, thanks to its spouted design and wide base. The perfect combination of style and practicality, this cup is designed to support independent living, especially for those with limited dexterity.
Made from hard-wearing plastic that is dishwasher and microwave safe, you know the Handy Cup will last the test of time.
This cup is one of the best products if you're looking for a general purpose mobility aid and is available in several colours; green, red, blue and clear.
Wade Dignity Two Handled Mug
The Wade Dignity Two-Handled Mug is made from ceramic, and is another one of the best examples of a daily living aid for someone with a physical, or mental impairment. And, this mug is robust, durable, dishwasher and microwave safe, too.
Wade Ceramics started back in 1810, making it one of the original ceramic manufacturers in England. The research behind this mug was led by Professor Andrews and her team in the Dementia Services Development Centre.
We also have a range of other Wade Dignity disability aids on our website.
The spoutless Wade Dignity Two-handled Mug, the standard spout Wade Dignity Two-handled Feeder Mug and the Wade Dignity Two-handled Feeder Mug with pierced spout are daily living aids that have the same "body" however, the main differences are the spout.
The spoutless Wade Dignity Two Handled Mug is great for anyone who suffers from tremors, arthritis, or poor grip, but are otherwise able bodied, as this doesn't have a spill resistant design, it's just easier to hold.
Other Wade mugs feature a wide aperture spout, which helps to prevent spills, allowing for a comfortable, stable position while using the cup. If someone finds the flow rate is too fast, we also have a pierced spout option which slows the flow rate, making an easier drinking experience.
You can pair these daily living aids mugs with the Wade Dignity Two Handled Teapot.
Plastic Feeder Cup with Wing Handles
The Plastic Feeder Cup with Wing Handles is a great mobility aid for providing extra stability and more control when you drink. This cup can help you live independently, provides many benefits, and is a safe solution to getting the drink you need, as the wing handles provide a supreme level of control with its easy to grip, ribbed surface.
With the Plastic Feeder Cup with Wing Handles, we have two different lids which are suitable for different situations. We have the choice between a narrow 4mm spout (0.2 inch) and a large 8mm (0.3 inch) spout.
The large 8mm (0.3 inch) spout is better suited to thicker fluids, such as soups, pureed foods, blended food, and/or milkshakes. The larger spout provides a more controlled flow which also helps to prevent accidental spills. The smaller 4mm (0.2 inch) spout suits everyday liquids, such as coffee, tea, juice and water.
This mobility aid is made from tough and durable plastic, providing safety to any person using it – if this mug is accidentally dropped, it won't break.
Clear Polycarbonate Mug
The Clear Polycarbonate Mug has excellent insulation, and is a long-lasting and durable mobility cup with an easy carry and hold handle.
With additional safety provided by the unbreakable construction, this cup has a large capacity of 300ml (10.6 fl.oz), meaning less frequent top-ups!
Supplied with two lids, one a spill-proof daily life lid, and the other a controlled flow drinking spout, this Clear Polycarbonate Mug essentially becomes two mobility aids in one!
In addition to all these great features, if you're currently dealing with a health condition that requires measured liquid intake, this mug has measuring gradations on the side, allowing easier independent measurement of liquid in your own home.
Clear Drinking Cup with Two Spouts
The final spot on our guide goes to the Clear Drinking Cup with Two Spouts. Made from hard-wearing plastic, this cup allows for independent drinking, as the spout design reduces the chances of spluttering, or choking.
While the Clear Drinking Cup with Two Spouts doesn't feature a handle, its compact design is easy to hold. There is a separate holder with two handles available, which this cup can pop into securely, if handles are preferred.
Thanks to its dishwasher safe design, this cup is easy to keep clean and sterile, too.
How to Choose the Right Drinking Aid
Choosing the right cup/mug can make a significant difference in daily comfort and confidence. Whether you're selecting a drinking aid for yourself, a loved one, or a patient, the best option will depend on a few key factors – both physical and practical.
Hand Strength and Dexterity
If grip strength is limited, or fine motor skills are affected, look for easy-grip handles, textured surfaces, or two-handled mugs that provide greater control. Lightweight materials can reduce wrist strain, while wide handles make lifting easier.
Posture and Positioning
Consider how and where the cup will be used – for example, by someone sitting upright at a table, reclining in bed, or using a wheelchair. Some adaptive cups are angled, or feature spouts to make sipping easier without tilting the head back, which also helps reduce a choking risk.
Swallowing Ability
For users with dysphagia, or other swallowing difficulties, cups with controlled flow lids, or spout tops are ideal. These allow the user, or caregiver, to control liquid volume, reducing the risk of coughing, or aspiration.
Independent Use vs. Caregiver Assistance
Will the person be drinking independently, or with help? Some designs are better suited for assisted drinking, with straw access, or tilted bases. Others focus on enabling independence, like non-spill travel cups that can be used one-handed.
Practical Considerations
Look for features that make daily life easier:
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Dishwasher-safe materials for convenience.
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BPA-free plastic for safety.
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Microwave compatibility, if warm drinks are preferred.
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Handle placement that supports balance and comfort.
Occupational therapists often recommend starting with a few different options to find what works best for the individual’s needs, especially if mobility, or strength changes over time. At Ability Superstore, we stock a wide range of OT-recommended drinking aids designed for real-life use, comfort, and long-term durability.
For more information, or advice, on anything in the mobility aid world, call our customer service team free on 0800 255 0498, or email us at heretohelp@abilitysuperstore.com. You can also send us a message via this Contact Us form on our website. You will also find us on FaceBook, Instagram and TikTok.