5.22 Skills Checklist: Preparing Clients for Meals and Assisting With Feeding
- Gather Supplies: Clothing protector, meal, diet card, eating utensils, sanitizer or soapy and wet washcloths
- Routine Pre-Procedure Steps:
- Knock on the resident’s door unless they are in the dining room.
- Perform hand hygiene.
- Maintain respectful, courteous, and professional communication at all times.
- Introduce yourself and identify the resident.
- Explain the procedure to the resident.
- Procedure Steps:
- Verify the name on the diet card matches the resident.
- Verify the diet, diet texture, and liquid consistency matches the diet card.
- Position the resident in an upright position, at least 45 degrees.
- Place a clothing protector on the resident if desired (e.g., a paper or cloth towel or a large napkin).
- Ask the resident if they would like oral care before eating.
- Assist the resident to clean their hands before feeding using sanitizer or soapy and wet washcloths.
- Position yourself at eye level facing the resident.
- Describe the foods and fluids being offered to the resident.
- Offer small amounts of food at a reasonable rate.
- Offer fluids frequently.
- Allow the resident time to chew and swallow.
- Wipe the resident’s face whenever necessary.
- Continue to alternate foods and fluids until the resident indicates they are full.
- Clean the resident’s face and hands.
- Ask the resident if they would like oral care.
- Leave the resident with their head elevated at least 30 degrees.
4. Post-Procedure Steps:
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- Perform hand hygiene.
- Record the intake as a percentage of total solid food eaten.
- Record the sum of estimated fluid intakes in mL or cc.
- Check for resident comfort and ask if anything else is needed.
- If in the resident’s room, ensure the bed is low and locked. Check the brakes.
- Place the call light or signaling device within reach of the resident.
- Open the door and privacy curtain.
- Perform hand hygiene.
- Document and report any feeding issues or changes noted with the resident.
View a YouTube video[1] of an instructor demonstrating preparing clients for meals and assistance with feeding:
- Chippewa Valley Technical College. (2022, December 3). Preparing Clients for Meals and Assistance With Feeding. [Video]. YouTube. Video licensed under CC BY 4.0. https://youtu.be/Yt3EelUdy60 ↵