Support Individuals to Eat and Drink
Support Individuals to Eat and Drink 1 : Be able to support individuals to make choices about food and drink
1.1. Establish with an individual the food and drink they wish to consume
Service users should always have the freedom to make choices about food and drink, thus the carer has to support them to make these choices, also taking into consideration dietary issues (possible allergies, diabetes, food intolerance) and prohibited foods due to medication (e.g. cranberry when on Warfarin). This information, as well as the medication is included in the care plan.
Then, by direct communication with the service user, using his/her chosen form of communication, the carer establishes what he/she wishes to have. Communication can be verbal, verbal and non- verbal combined (asking and pointing at the dish, or a jug), sign language, or using any body language the customer exhibits. Service users shall be given plenty of time to make a choice and there are instances when the carer has to repeat the offer.
In the case of service users living with dementia, the way in which options are offered depends altogehter on the service user’s state. With some service users, offering a choice between two items- having a fruit yoghurt, or a fruit salad, while showing them the respective foods, is a feasible way. With other customers, offer only one dish at a time, asking whether the customer would like to have it, or not. If the answer is no, show another item and repeat the yes/no question. If the customer does not have the capacity to choose that given day, the carer may make a choice for him/her, based on the likes/dislikes of the service user and the restrictive criteria described in the care plan and also ensuring a healthy and varied diet.
1.2. Encourage the individual to select suitable options for food and drink
When encouraging service users to make suitable options when choosing food and drink the carer will communicate politely, with encouragement and
1.1. Establish with an individual the food and drink they wish to consume
Service users should always have the freedom to make choices about food and drink, thus the carer has to support them to make these choices, also taking into consideration dietary issues (possible allergies, diabetes, food intolerance) and prohibited foods due to medication (e.g. cranberry when on Warfarin). This information, as well as the medication is included in the care plan.
Then, by direct communication with the service user, using his/her chosen form of communication, the carer establishes what he/she wishes to have. Communication can be verbal, verbal and non- verbal combined (asking and pointing at the dish, or a jug), sign language, or using any body language the customer exhibits. Service users shall be given plenty of time to make a choice and there are instances when the carer has to repeat the offer.
In the case of service users living with dementia, the way in which options are offered depends altogehter on the service user’s state. With some service users, offering a choice between two items- having a fruit yoghurt, or a fruit salad, while showing them the respective foods, is a feasible way. With other customers, offer only one dish at a time, asking whether the customer would like to have it, or not. If the answer is no, show another item and repeat the yes/no question. If the customer does not have the capacity to choose that given day, the carer may make a choice for him/her, based on the likes/dislikes of the service user and the restrictive criteria described in the care plan and also ensuring a healthy and varied diet.
1.2. Encourage the individual to select suitable options for food and drink
When encouraging service users to make suitable options when choosing food and drink the carer will communicate politely, with encouragement and