Lorraine Poulos

21 Mealtime Support Providing support with eating 1 2 3 4 Know your client: • Check care plan and be aware of swallowing abilities • Understand dietary preferences and needs (modified diets, thickened fluids) • Know what assistive aids are needed and how to use them (slip mat, padded / curved cutlery, lipped plate) • Check if clothing protector needed Before the task: • Check with consumer what their preferred dining activity is • Engage consumer in meal preparation as able • Prepare setting, condiments and aids required • Ensure seating position is optimal • Provide hand hygiene before meal / before preparation During the task: • Engage consumer in conversation re: meal / reminsicence • If assisted feeding required, ensure your position is at seated level to enable eye to eye contact • Ensure consumer has visual / hearing aids • Prompt enablement: place food on fork / spoon and pass to consumer for self management After the task: • Observe for changed abilities or appetite • Observe if coughing during swallowing • Talk about the meal and note feedback on diet offering Document in the Client Journal: • Changes to preferences or appetite • Changes to functional abilities 5 Guide for consumers, carers and workers