Breakfast, lunch, and diner or whatever you call it is one of the responsibilities of caregivers. To prepare specific foods according to the dietary restrictions that were included on the care plan. Sometimes this means ensuring the type, temperature, and consistency requirement is met. An example, a client with dysphasia is unable to swallow, but loves apples. Exactly at lunch time instead of preparing apples you open a can of apple sauce and spoon feed the client. While feeding the client you ensure that you wait until the individual swallows completely. Then after a few moments you feed the individual a spoonful of apple sauce. Another example is an individual that is immobile and unable to cut or dice any of the foods. This will require some preparation prior to serving the meal. So you place the meal on a cutting board and dice it into small enough slices for the individual to eat. Other basic of meal prep duty for caregivers include being able to prepare the food yourself and follow all instructions on consistency, portion, size, and diet restrictions.
Dietary restrictions vary from person to person so always follow the exact instructions the client gives you. Some of the instructions can be found on the care plan so ensure you are reading the care plan carefully. The meal prep task isn't complete until the space is completely clean both prior to serving a meal and after serving a meal. To ensure the space is clean both prior to serving the meal and after simply wipe it off with the available anti-bacterial product.
Medication reminders and assistance with self administration of medication is most common around meal times. Sometimes clients receive medication up to four times a day. Remember to always follow the non medical home health aide training procedures for assisting with the self administration of medication. Lastly, ensure the client is clean after meal time. This is usually done by wiping the client's face and hands with a paper towel or other product like a moist wipe. Ensure this is safe for your client. If you have to change the client's clothes due to a spill do so and load up the laundry unless otherwise specified by the care plan or family member.
Respect your client's privacy and ask if you can join them for their mealtime. Some clients like to talk more than others so develop a good baseline during your first few weeks in what works with your client around meal time. Some clients prefer to eat on the couch while others can only eat at the the table. Conversation is welcome sometimes so ensure you ask if that is something your client would like. This is also the time to ensure your client is receiving the hydration that they need so fill up the glass of water and serve it politely. To schedule you caregiver to help around meal time click here and complete the care plan form.