Training Programs

Feeding Assistant Training Program

Benefits of utilizing Feeding Assistants

• Provide high quality care to your residents

• Relieve your staff shortages/overload

• Economical

Feeding Assistant Training Program

This program is taught on an as needed basis.   Please call to schedule a class.

Goal

Avera Education & Staffing Solutions Feeding Assistant Training Program prepares participants to meet the requirements of the South Dakota Department of Health in assuming the role and responsibilities of a Feeding Assistant in long term care facilities.  Participants will be taught how to safely and respectfully provide feeding assistance to residents.

Target Audience

Anyone interested in providing feeding assistance to residents of long term care facilities in their community. No prior experience required.

Faculty

Avera Education & Staffing Solutions Feeding Assistant Training Program is taught by a Registered Nurse with video presentations by a Registered Dietitian and a Speech and Language Pathologist.

Return Demonstrations

Participants will be required to perform several return demonstrations that will be evaluated by the instructor.  A record of each participant's performance on these return demonstrations will be kept on file at Avera Education & Staffing Solutions.

Examinations

There will be one multiple-choice exam on the final day of the Feeding Assistant Training Program.  Participants must obtain a minimum score of 80% in order to successfully complete the course.  Participants may retest one time.

Objectives

After completing this activity, participants will be able to:

1. State why it is important to know the resident's likes, dislikes and basic needs in relation to assisted dining.

2. Identify residents' rights and demonstrate respect for those rights during meal time.

3. Communicate effectively with residents at meal time.

4. Perform proper infection control procedures including hand washing, applying hairnet and apron, safe food handling and appropriate use of clothing protectors.

5. Describe the basic human digestive process as well as identify common changes and disorders of the digestive system in the elderly.

6. Identify foods in the food pyramid and understand the principles of balanced nutrition and adequate hydration.

7. Discuss use of modified diets and dietary supplements in the care of residents in long term care facilities.

8. Name the signs and symptoms of malnutrition and dehydration in the elderly and identify an action plan to correct those problems.

9. List common swallowing complications and apply recommended methods used in assisting clients with swallowing complications.

10. Identify and utilize appropriate feeding devices.

11. Use correct assisted feeding techniques for long term care residents.

12. Demonstrate the Heimlich maneuver.

13. Define parameters of the role of a feeding assistant.

Requirements for Completion

In order to successfully complete Avera Education & Staffing Solutions Feeding Assistant Training Program and work as a Feeding Assistant in a South Dakota long term care facility, there are certain requirements and procedures including:

• Complete an approved Feeding Assistant Training Program

• After successful completion of an 8-hour classroom course, participants are required to return to their employing facility and complete 2 hours of practicum (actual assisted feeding of residents) under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.

• After successful completion of the 2-hour practicum, the nurse that supervised the practicum must complete and sign (including the nurse's license number) the Facility Return Demonstration form and return it to Avera Education & Staffing Solutions.

• After the above requirements are met, participants will receive a certificate of completion for Avera Education & Staffing Solutions Feeding Assistant Training Program.

• The employing facility must then register participants that successfully completed Avera Education & Staffing Solutions Feeding Assistant Training Program as a trained Feeding Assistant with the State of South Dakota.

• A licensed nurse must be present in the dining room when trained Feeding Assistants are working with residents.