Unit 2 - Care and nutrition (e-book)
Lesson 2.1. Nursing and feeding techniques and equipment
2.1.1. Mealtime environment: Characteristics of the place and process
It is important to stay in a safe mealtime environment. An uninviting environment can put people off their meals and result in inadequate nutrition and hydration, while a distracting environment can reduce focus on following the strategies for safe swallowing and lead to safety concerns.
The following tips may help you to ensure the mealtime environment is optimized for the person you care for to enjoy a safe and nutritious meal:
Reduce potential distractions:
Bright, pleasant, quiet place and without noise or distractions.
Minimize the number of people walking around the meal area.
Turn off or turn down the volume on the TV, radio, mobile or tablet.
Avoid loud noises such as microwave or oven timers going off.
Brake or control of compulsive behaviors during mealtime.
Create an inviting atmosphere:
Decorating the meal area with tablecloths.
Placemats.
Plants.
Pictures and curtains can create a warm atmosphere that can help facilitate enjoyment at mealtimes.
Room and adapted furniture (chair, table, cabinets, ramps, others).
Adapted kitchenware (cutlery, glasses, plates, tablecloths, etc.) and placed on the table in an accessible and comfortable way for the diner.
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Meal time and food presentation:
The smell and appealing appearance of food can help to increase appetite as we taste not only with our tongues but our eyes and our noses as well.
Not filling the cutlery with food except in medical cases prescribed
Do not use feeding syringes or straws during oral feeding.
Establishment of a fixed schedule for all daily meals.
Maximum duration of the shots between 40-45 minutes.
After feeding, maintain a comfortable posture above 45˚ for 30-40 minutes to avoid gastric reflux.