5.22 Skills Checklist: Preparing Clients for Meals and Assisting With Feeding

  1. Gather Supplies: Clothing protector, meal, diet card, eating utensils, sanitizer or soapy and wet washcloths
  2. 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.
  3. 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:

    • 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:

 


  1. Chippewa Valley Technical College. (2022, December 3). Preparing Clients for Meals and Assistance With Feeding. [Video]. YouTube. Video licensed under CC BY 4.0https://youtu.be/Yt3EelUdy60

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