Mealtime Assistance

Mealtime is about more than just eating. It’s a time to rest, to socialise and to enjoy the food. Making mealtimes a positive, enjoyable experience for individuals needing assistance is an important aspect of their care.

Our introductory mealtime assistance course equips you with the knowledge and skills to confidently assist individuals at mealtimes. Whether you’re a caregiver or family member, this course empowers you to make mealtimes safe, dignified and enjoyable.

The Importance of Mealtimes: Explore the social, emotional, and nutritional significance of mealtimes.

Understanding Food and Swallowing: Gain insights into eating difficulties, dysphagia, and the swallowing process.

Dietary Concerns: Learn about modified diets, the role of nutrition, and the importance of texture and thickening agents.

Safe and Supportive Practices: Discover techniques for assisting individuals with dignity and respect, while prioritising safety and hygiene.

Food Safety and Choking Emergencies: Master basic food hygiene practices and learn how to recognise and respond to choking emergencies.

 

Key outcomes:

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

  • Identify factors affecting mealtimes and the role of mealtime assistants
  • Understand the swallowing process and explain common eating and swallowing difficulties
  • Describe the importance of nutrition and texture-modified diets, and how to prepare and use thickening agents
  • Apply safe and supportive practices during mealtimes
  • Recognise and respond appropriately to food allergies and choking emergencies.

Please note, this course is an introduction to supporting an individual with mealtime needs. Further training may be needed if you wish to become a mealtime assistant as an official role within a care home or special needs school.

Access Now for Free

Download the FuturU App

Related courses