1. If we had any difficulties or dilemmas around choice of food we would help to advise the client with his or her choice. Making sure there is enough different varieties of things to be chose from or if an individual feels they have too much choice we can help narrow it down by knowing certain things the particularly like. As a support assistant it my job to assit with choices, and advise them about healthy foods and the importance. For example: A Service user cannot understand a menu when It is present in a list form , so we could help them make their choice by getting images of meals they would be presented with to eat.
For example : If the individual has been recommended a low fat diet by their doctor but the individual insists they want to eat “junk food” it is my role to advise the individual of the content of the food and the consequences of eating it and to repeat this to them on a regular basis. The individual is then able to make an “informed decision” of whether they still wish to consume the meal. It is their right to choose to eat their preferred food. I report the matter immediately and follow my organisations policies and procedures regarding reporting the matter eg note in care plan and report to my manager. This is then discussed with the care team and medical staff responsible for the individuals care.
This can be resolved by reporting the issue to your senior member of staff on shift or your manager. You should also try to explain to the service user why they have to have their food presented like that, if they still refuse that food you could offer them something different which will also be suitable for them. 2. Describe how and when to seek guidance about an individual’s choice of food and drink (1.1.4) You should seek additional guidance about an individual’s choice of food and drink when you are not sure about what they can and can’t have. You can seek additional guidance by asking your senior member of staff that is on shift or your manager.
One of these ways is reporting them to your manager or senior member of staff who is on shift. You should also try and explain to the individual why they have to have that food. You could try and offer the individual some other food that is suitable for their diet.
With some service users, offering a choice between two items- having a fruit yoghurt, or a fruit salad, while showing them the respective foods, is a feasible way. With other customers, offer only one dish at a time, asking whether the customer would like to have it, or not. If the answer is no, show another item and repeat the yes/no question. If the customer does not have the capacity to choose that given day, the carer may make a choice for him/her, based on the likes/dislikes of the service user and the restrictive criteria described in the care plan and also ensuring a healthy and varied diet. 1.2.
An individual can sometimes be reluctant, or refuse to eat certain types of food which may have been noted in their care plan as a requirement for their condition. For example when an individual needs to have a diabetic diet, a weight-reduction diet or gluten-free diet, if an individual is having swallowing difficulties, in such situations if someone is determined to ignore medical advice and to follow a different diet, I would report this to my manager and it may be discussed among the care team and the medical staff. If the individual has full mental capacity to understand the consequence and still ignore medical advice, it’s their
Treating them as an individual makes easier to be aware of their preferences. Many individuals with dementia can make their own choices in what they like to eat and drink. Individuals with severe dementia may not be able to make their own choices therefore we can inform them, and if they are unable to communicate or tell us anything sometimes we can show them the options. By asking the individuals family we can also see what they like and observing them can tell us what they like better than other things. 3.1 Demonstrate how the knowledge of life history of an individual with dementia has been used to provide a diet that meets his/her
This was done by reading labels and checking fat, salt and sugar content and also by selecting diabetic foods and fresh foods. Sometimes she will still select sweets and then I will explain the consequences of this to her diabetes. So ways to resolve difficulties or dilemmas about the choice of food and drink is about re-educating individuals about what is good and that there are also others choices. 1.4 I would seek additional guidance about an individuals choice of food and drink by speaking to others such has the district nurse, dietician and family this would be done if I had concerns that an individuals diet was compromising their health. For example if my client had high cholesterol and chose to continually eat saturated fatty foods.
CU1672 – UNDERSTAND AND MEET THE NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DEMENTIA 1.4 EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANCE OF RECOGNISING AND MEETING AN INDIVIDUAL’S PERSONAL AND CULTURAL PREFERENCES FOR FOOD AND DRINK. The Dietary needs of an individual in our care will need to be assessed to ensure that we can provide for our clients dietary requirements. This might be as a result of a medical reason such as diabetes, medication they are prescribed, allergies against certain foods like nuts, they may have to have a gluten free diet, or the patient may be under or overweight and require a specialist diet. In recognising our client’s right to have a choice in the food they eat we should ensure our clients maintain as an individual, and we should promote a positive mental health to our clients.
HSC2014 Support individuals to eat and drink Be able to support individuals to make choices about food and drink Outcome 1 1. Establish with an individual the food and drink they wish to consume It is important to allow the individual to voice their wishes and preferences regarding their food and drink intake. It is important that you establish the correct foods they like to eat and want to eat; to ensure that they will be happy with their food. It is important to offer a list of choices from each of the 5 food categories to ensure that they are fully aware of the food available. This will also allow you to expand the individual’s normal choices; however pictures may be needed to show certain foods.