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Providing Mealtime Assistance
Course Description
Older people can experience a number of physical and emotional changes in health and well being that can impact on food and fluid intake. This can include swallowing difficulties, oral infections, dental issues, dry mouth, changes in appetite, physical weakness or contractures, cognitive impairment, gastrointestinal issues, mental illness, poor vision or extreme fatigue.
Poor nutrition and hydration can lead to unexpected weight loss, functional decline and frailty, all of which significantly reduces quality of life.
Providing safe mealtime assistance is an essential component of the care and support staff offer. It can minimise the risk of choking, aspiration, malnourishment, dehydration, discomfort and distress, and improve enjoyment of food and overall quality of life.
Altura Learning’s high-quality, scenario-based course includes video demonstrations of the four levels of mealtime assistance, with step-by-step instructions. This engaging course equips learners with the knowledge and skills to support residents during mealtimes, helping to make the experience as dignified and seamless as possible.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, learners should be able to:
– Explain why an older person may require mealtime assistance
– Describe the levels of mealtime assistance staff can provide
– Demonstrate how to provide mealtime assistance
Course Code:
AOC17271-B-R-AUCPD Points:
0.25Course Availability:
Available NowTopics:
Activities of Daily LivingLibrary:
Residential CareCollection:
Individual SupportSubject Matter Expert:
Dr Karen Abbey (B. Sc Hon Human Nutrition, Grad Dip Nutr & Diet Master Health Science Management, PhD (Residential Aged Care Foodservices), Cert IV Assessor and Trainer Cert III Commercial Cookery Services) Karen is a Foodservice Dietitian and Special Dietary Chef who has worked extensively across the foodservice sectors in Australia and internationally. She is the Director of Nutrition and Catering Consultancy, promoting quality in the foodservice system, providing a range of training options, recipe development, and finding practical solutions for those in care by working with foodservices and the food manufacturing industry. Karen delivers an extensive foodservice review/audit service and Standard 6 Menu and Meal Assessments. She is highly regarded for assisting aged care homes to meet standards, finding efficacies within the food service system, and providing training to upskill staff to ensure the best level of care for residents.
Last Updated:
29/05/2025 12:00 am