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This week's tip: Helping a patient eat during mealtime

LTC Nursing Assistant Trainer, May 24, 2007

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Feeding patients is one of your most important jobs, but it's not always easy to get them to eat. Here are some tips for CNAs to assist in serving patients:

·        Ensure a quiet and pleasant environment or atmosphere by minimizing distractions and disturbances.

·        If a patient has impaired vision, identify the foods on his or per plate by equating the plate with a clock face. For example, you might say, "Your beans are at 3 o'clock, and your chicken is at 9 o'clock."

·        When feeing a patient, identify the food and ask the patient what he or she wants next. Engaging patients in feeding will help them feel more in control of the situation.

·        Help make the food as palatable as possible for the patient. Offer seasoning, if allowed. Let hot liquids cool to a comfortable temperature. Don't overfill the fork or spoon. Alternate food with sips of fluids.

·        Serve hot foods hot and cold foods cold.

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