All skills
Personal Care

Feeding a Dependent Resident

Sit at the resident's eye level. Offer small bites. Allow time to chew. Alternate bites with sips. End with mouth care. The patient should be sitting upright at 90 degrees throughout.

20-30 minutes•11 steps•6 critical
Position, pace, and patience — the three rules of every feeding.

Why this matters

Position, pace, and patience — the three rules of every feeding.

Quick tips

  • Sit down — do NOT stand over the resident while feeding
  • Offer sips between bites, not after every bite
  • Identify food before offering it (puree, mechanical soft, etc.)

Common mistakes

  • Standing while feeding (the patient feels rushed)
  • Forgetting to identify the diet before serving
  • Not asking about allergies or food preferences
  • Leaving the patient flat after feeding (aspiration risk)