Nursing Assistant (I)

* Paid feeding assistants provide dining assistance only for residents with no complicated feeding problems.

Complicated feeding problems include difficulty swallowing, recurrent lung aspirations and tube or parenteral IV feedings.


* Residents are assessed for appropriateness for the feeding assistant program by the interdisciplinary team, taking into consideration the most recent assessment and plan of care.


* Only residents who have been selected by the interdisciplinary team are eligible for feeding assistance by a paid feeding assistant.


* Paid feeding assistants must successfully complete a state approved training course taught by qualified professionals (as defined by state law) before being permitted to feed residents.


* Our facility's state approved training program consists of eight (8) hours of training in the following topics: a.

Feeding techniques; b.

Assistance with feeding and hydration; c.

Communication and interpersonal skills; d.

Appropriate responses to resident behavior; e.

Safety and emergency procedures, including the Heimlich maneuver; f.

Infection control; g.

Resident rights; and h.

Recognizing changes in residents that are inconsistent with their normal behavior and the importance of reporting those changes to the supervisory nurse.


* In conjunction with the facility's registered dietitian (RD), an RN will oversee the Feeding Assistant Training Program to ensure that feeding techniques are taught correctly.


* Our facility's paid feeding assistants will work under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN).

Specifically, the supervising nurse will monitor paid feeding assistants for: a.

The use of appropriate feeding techniques; b.

Whether they are assisting the resident according to his/her identified eating and drinking needs; c.

Whether they are respecting the resident's rights and dignity; and d.

Adherence to infection control and safe food handling practices.


* The use of paid feeding assistants is not intended to substitute for nursing staff.


* In the case of an emergency, the paid feeding assistant shall call the nurse supervisor through the resident call system.

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(Revised October 2017)


* Paid feeding assistants will report or record resident intake after each meal, and report changes in eating patterns to the RN and/or RD.


* The administrative office will maintain a record of each individual's completion of the Feeding Assistant Training Course and a record of all individuals used as paid feeding assistants.


* Any staff who has successfully completed the Feeding Assistant Training Program may feed residents.


* Inquiries concerning our facility's use of paid feeding assistants should be referred to the Director of Nursing Services or to the Administrator.