Geriatric Aide Curriculum NC Division of Health Service Regulation Module 12 The Dining Experience Geriatric Aide Curriculum NC Division of Health Service Regulation

The Dining Experience Objectives Demonstrate how to prepare residents with different levels of skills for dining. Demonstrate how to assist a resident with Alzheimer’s with dining.

The Dining Experience Objectives Demonstrate how to assist a resident with limited ability to successfully eat. Demonstrate assisting several people with dining.

The Dining Experience A positive dining experience should encourage independence, promote self-esteem and make the older adult as comfortable and safe as possible, while at the same time, provide a healthy, pleasant meal.

Preparing For A Meal Hygiene needs Positioning Seating arrangements Pleasant conversation Check for correct tray or foods Ask resident if assistance is needed with butter, lids, position of food

Residents Needing More Assistance Visually impaired: “Clock” system Hearing impaired: Modified noise level Use of adaptive equipment for dining Use of finger foods Balance resident’s need for assistance with resident’s independence in eating

Assisting Resident’s With Alzheimer’s With Dining Limit distractions Keep table setting simple Distinguish food from plates Food is hard to see Food is easier to see

Assisting Resident’s With Alzheimer’s With Dining Check food temperatures Serve one or two foods at the time Be flexible to food preferences Give person plenty of time to eat Avoid nuts, popcorn, raw carrots Eat with person Make the most of person’s abilities

Assisting Resident’s With Alzheimer’s With Dining Serve finger foods Use the “watch me” technique Use visual, auditory or tactile cues Use hand-under-hand guidance Don’t worry about being neat

Assisting Resident’s With Alzheimer’s With Dining Use simple, easy to understand directions Be patient, speak slowly and clearly Use distractions and take breaks if necessary

Assisting Resident’s With Alzheimer’s With Dining Check the mouth for food after meal is over Serve meal as several small meals Build a relationship with resident

Residents Who Need Total Assistance to Eat Nurse aide’s hands must be washed before and after assisting resident Talk and socialize with resident Sit on resident’s dominant side Test food temperature Identify food as it is being fed Do not mix foods

Residents Who Need Total Assistance to Eat Use tip of half-filled spoon Offer most nutritious (calorie dense) foods first Allow enough time for resident to chew and swallow Offer fluids throughout meal Keep connected to resident

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