Description

Adequate intake of food and fluids are a necessity of life. Physicians will often order changes in diets as well as changes in food and fluid consistencies. However, when a person is no longer able to feed themselves, what foods and fluids you feed them will be as important as how you feed them. The following is a review of safe feeding techniques that will help to prevent choking and food/fluids from getting into the airway (aspiration).

Steps

1. Ensure that the person to be fed is awake and alert enough to eat and drink, and avoid the administration of any medications which may cause drowsiness prior to feeding
2. Prepare food and fluids according to any Physician Orders
3. Position the person to be feed in as upright a sitting position as possible, using pillows or repositioning the bed/chair if possible
4. If the person has denture or partials, make sure that they are in place and fit securely
5. Involve the person to be fed psychologically—continue to make mealtime a social time
6. As much as possible, honor and include food cravings, likes and dislikes
7. Do not stand above the person being fed, as this will require them to tilt their head back and open their airway causing food to enter the airway (aspiration). Instead position yourself so that you are sitting and feeding at eye level
8. Allow time for effective swallowing between bites. Assist the person in removing food from their mouth that they are unable to swallow
9. When ever possible use a straw for liquids so that the person drinking controls the amount. Sucking through a straw also exercises and strengthens swallowing muscles
10. Moist food items that include sauces or gravies aid in chewing and swallowing
11. Avoid fluids or foods that are very cold or very hot
12. Small meals every few hours will generally increase actual intake and are preferable to three meals a day
13. If choking does occur, support coughing and clearing efforts, and attempt to identify the reason. Modify feeding, fluids and food accordingly
14. After the meal is completed, assist in rinsing and cleaning the mouth
15. Offer fluids (especially water) hourly, if possible keep a fresh supply at bedside

Important Points to Consider

• Protect clothing by placing a large napkin or towel (avoid referring to it as a bib).
• Test food preparation yourself. If you can not easily chew a particular food item, chances are that they will not be able to either.
• Encourage, rather than force people to eat.
• Show patience and understanding by feeding the meals in an unhurried manner with the emphasis on enjoyment.
• Consider taking CPR courses which will include how to respond to choking. They are available in your community.