INTROductionintro
Chapter 5:
Feeding Techniques
The process of aging and the effects of disabilities
can make mealtime frustrating and exhausting.
Feeding techniques can help change mealtime
into an enjoyable experience.
FEEDING TECHNIQUES
Eating is one of the joys of life. Yet the process of aging and the effects of disabilities can change
mealtime from a pleasurable experience to a frustrating and exhausting one.
Feeding Techniques
National Food Service Management Institute
The atmosphere of the dining area is an important factor
in encouraging participants to eat.
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Choose colors wisely.
Use light, solid colors in the dining room to make
the room inviting.
Dining Room
The atmosphere of the
dining area is an
important factor in
encouraging participants
to eat.
Adults who need help eating are more likely to lose weight (ADA, 2004). This chapter will focus on
ways adult day care centers can help participants enjoy their meals so that they can maintain proper
weight and remain in good health.
For place settings, use contrasting solid colors for
placemats, napkins, and dishes. This helps the
participant locate the utensils and dishes. A simple
centerpiece will create a homelike setting.
Keep distractions to a minimum.
Keep noise from the kitchen to a minimum.
Turn off the television and radio. Soft background
music is pleasant for those with normal hearing, but
may sound like noise or static to the hearing
impaired.
Adult day care participants may require help when eating.
Some participants will need help opening food packages or cutting foods
into bite-size pieces.
Other participants may need to be fed.
Adult Day Care Resource Manual for the USDA CACFP
32 National Food Service Management Institute
Maintain a room temperature that is comfortable