16 Del. Admin. Code § 3215-4.0
Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 5, November 1, 2024
Section 3215-4.0 - Feeding Assistant Training Program Requirements4.1 General Training Requirements 4.1.1 Each Feeding Assistant training program shall be approved by the Division.4.1.2 To obtain approval, the curriculum content for the Feeding Assistant training programs shall meet each of the following requirements: 4.1.2.1 The program shall be a minimum of 12 hours to include classroom instruction and demonstrated competency.4.1.2.2 Classroom instruction and demonstrated competency in each requirement shall be completed prior to students providing resident nutrition/hydration. Programs shall maintain documentation of completion of requirements.4.1.2.3 At the completion of training, each student who has satisfactorily completed a Feeding Assistant training program shall be provided with documentation of completion of a Delaware Feeding Assistant Program which shall be transferable among facilities with Feeding Assistant programs.4.1.2.4 The instructor shall directly supervise students at all times while students are demonstrating competency.4.1.2.5 Programs shall notify the Division in writing when changes to the program or the instructors are made.4.2 Curriculum Content 4.2.1 Feeding Assistant Role and Function 4.2.1.1 On-the-job conduct, appearance, grooming, personal hygiene and ethical behavior.4.2.1.2 Responsibilities and limitations of a Feeding Assistant. 4.2.1.2.1 A Feeding Assistant shall perform only those duties for which he/she has been specifically trained.4.2.1.2.2 A Feeding Assistant shall seek assistance from other members of the resident care team for all resident needs other than nutrition/hydration.4.2.1.3 Reporting and documenting incidents.4.2.1.4 Knowledge of the "chain of command" in the facility.4.2.1.5 Importance of punctuality and commitment to the job.4.2.2 Resident Rights 4.2.2.1 Providing dignity and maintaining confidentiality.4.2.2.2 Promoting the resident's right to make personal choices to accommodate individual needs.4.2.2.3 Maintaining care and security of resident's personal possessions.4.2.2.4 Providing care which ensures that the resident is free from abuse, mistreatment, neglect or financial exploitation.4.2.3 Psychosocial Factors 4.2.3.1 Verbal and non-verbal communication and interpersonal skills with residents, including those with dementia.4.2.3.2 Religious, ethnic and personal food preferences.4.2.4 Appropriate Responses to Resident Behaviors 4.2.4.1 Identifying behaviors which require assistance from professional staff.4.2.4.2 Recognizing and reporting changes in residents that are inconsistent with their normal behavior.4.2.4.3 Distinguishing between normal eating and drinking behaviors and those which need to be reported.4.2.5 Safety and Emergency Procedures 4.2.5.1 Recognizing emergencies which require assistance from other members of the resident care team.4.2.5.2 Learning appropriate use of the resident call system.4.2.5.3 Identifying when a resident is choking.4.2.5.4 Learning how to perform the Heimlich maneuver.4.2.6 Nutrition/Hydration 4.2.6.1 Understanding of therapeutic diets, supplements and dietary restrictions, including consistency restrictions.4.2.6.2 Understanding of fluid needs and restrictions.4.2.6.3 Understanding tips to encourage intake.4.2.6.4 Understanding of food substitution policy.4.2.6.5 Understanding use of special feeding devices, including use of straws when deemed appropriate and beneficial to a resident.4.2.6.6 Understanding the components of a healthy diet.4.2.6.7 Understanding factors that cause higher risk for nutrition and hydration problems.4.2.7 Infection Control 4.2.7.1 Knowledge of proper hand washing and hygiene.4.2.7.2 Knowledge of disease transmission and infection prevention.4.2.8 Monitoring and Reporting Intake 4.2.8.1 Fluids 4.2.8.1.1 Identifying amounts consumed according to facility policy and procedures.4.2.8.1.2 Identifying items that are liquid or classified as liquid.4.2.8.1.3 Recording liquid intake accurately.4.2.8.2 Foods 4.2.8.2.1 Identifying percentage of food consumed according to facility policy and procedure.4.2.8.2.2 Recording amount eaten accurately.4.2.8.2.3 Reporting food-related resident problems.4.3 Competencies 4.3.1 Feeding Techniques 4.3.1.1 Check resident's identification and diet card to ensure that resident has received the correct tray.4.3.1.2 Provide resident with napkin and clothing protector, as needed.4.3.1.3 Describe selection and location of foods on tray.4.3.1.4 Assist resident with food preparation, as needed.4.3.1.5 Observe to make sure each mouthful of food is swallowed before more is ingested.4.3.1.6 Offer liquids at intervals with solid food.4.3.1.7 Record food and fluid intake separately and accurately.4.3.2 Social/Environmental Factors 4.3.2.1 Encourage resident to eat independently, if appropriate.4.3.2.2 Provide cuing and prompting during meals as needed.4.3.2.3 Make pleasant conversation, but refrain from asking questions while the resident has food in his/her mouth or asking questions that require lengthy answers.4.3.2.4 Never rush the resident while feeding.4.3.2.5 Sit next to the resident to convey an unhurried feeling.4.3.2.6 Keep the resident focused on eating. Avoid distractions.4.3.2.7 Be aware of infection control techniques, including avoidance of blowing on hot food and sharing or sampling resident's meal.4.3.3 Special Needs 4.3.3.1 Use hand on hand to assist resident, as needed.4.3.3.2 Help resident to grasp eating utensils and beverage containers.4.3.3.3 Help resident with assistive devices such as plate guards and adaptive eating utensils.16 Del. Admin. Code § 3215-4.0