Do you make sure that appropriate utensils are available to enable individuals to meet their nutritional needs as independently as possible?
An individual may need specialist utensils to eat and drink. Assessing a person’s needs and abilities can help you work out ways of using adapting utensils to support the individual. An Occupational Therapist may be able to help you with this.
If a person you are supporting wears dentures…
Make sure that the dentures fit well and are available when the individual needs them and prefers to wear them.
Supporting a person to be independent when they eat and drink will help to maintain their self-esteem and emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
Independence makes people feel in control of their lives and gives them a sense of self-worth. It demonstrates you are working in a person-centred way.
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Class Sessions
1- 1. Describe the importance of food safety, including hygiene, food preparation and handling
2- 2. Explain the importance of good nutrition and hydration in maintaining health and wellbeing
3- 3. List signs and symptoms of poor nutrition and hydration
4- 4. Explain how to promote adequate nutrition and hydration
5- 5. Check that drinks are within reach of those that have restrictions on their movements
6- 6. Check that drinks are refreshed on a regular basis
7- 7. Check that individuals are offered drinks in accordance with their plan of care
8- 8. Support and encourage individuals to drink in accordance with their plan of care
9- 9. Support individuals to access fluids – Know how to report any concerns to the relevant person
10- 10. Check that any nutritional products are within reach of those that have restrictions
11- 11. Check food temperature, care plans and the individual is able to eat it
12- 12. Check appropriate utensils are available to support independence
13- 13. Support and encourage individuals to eat in accordance with their plan of care
14- 14. Support individuals to access food – Know how to report any concerns to the relevant person