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

2. 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.

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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. THE END