Dining Out
By Katherine Warren, Ed.S., NCC
The problem
People with chronic vestibular problems face a dilemma in maintaining social contacts. They are often limited in their ability to tolerate various social settings. If this inability continues long enough, they may become isolated and lonely.
A restaurant is such a setting. If adaptations are made, it may be possible to meet friends and eat in relative comfort. These suggestions are for those who feel able to try them.
Planning lunch or dinner
- Dining out is much easier if you avoid the rush hours to eliminate unnecessary noise and motion.
- A menu often has confusing, nonessential information printed in no uniform manner. Obtain a copy ahead of time and decide what you will eat before you leave. This will reduce stress.
- Take your time reading the menu in a systematic left-to-right and up-and-down movement. Select the general category from which you choose to eat, and then deal only with that section of the menu.
- Upon entering the restaurant, scan the room in order to locate the rest rooms and exits, and acquaint yourself with the general shape and design of the room.
Selecting a restaurant
- Choose a restaurant with small separate rooms.
- Choose a place with carpeted floors that reduce noise and vibrations caused by waiters moving near you.
- Avoid loud background music.
- Be aware that shiny, checkered floors may be disorienting.
- Avoid ceiling fans and busy, swirling wallpaper. They may cause dizziness in some people.
Seating hints
- Seat yourself in the corner of a restaurant between two walls if possible.
- Sit in separate chairs. This reduces motion caused by others seated next to you in a booth.
- Sit away from kitchens, cash registers and bars. These areas have high noise levels.
- Avoid the middle of the dining room, usually the center of activity.
- Choose a round table if possible. It may be more manageable than a square or rectangular one.
Lighting ups and downs
- Fluorescent lights may cause difficulty for many people with vestibular problems. Sitting away from the light source may help.
- Be aware that many restaurants control the lighting with a central rheostat. When these lights are turned up or down, it can be disorienting.
If things go wrong
Even with the best planning, you may become dizzy or disoriented. You have done your best to avoid this; now it is out of your control, and you may need help. It will be easier on you and your companion if you explain your problem and suggest ways you can be helped before you need assistance. Your companion is someone who cares about you, and he or she will get you through.
This document is not intended as a substitute for professional health
care.
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Created in April 2002, this page was last modified on Comments may be sent to VEDA.