Dining Assistant Training Session Summaries & Slides
Introductory Session
We discuss the paid dining assistant regulation requirements, training logistics and staff recruitment strategies. This session is intended for the key contact person at each facility (e.g., DON, Administrator, Staff Developer) to prepare for training.
Key Topics:
- What is the training series?
- How will it be run?
- Why should your facility participate?
- What are training requirements?
- Which staff should participate in training?
Session 1: Assistance with Feeding & Hydration
Key Topics:
- Paid Dining Assistant regulation overview
- Resident risk factors
- Warning signs of malnutrition & dehydration
- Role of Dining Assistants
Session 2: Diet Types
Key Topics:
- Texture modified diets
- Therapeutic diets
- Thickened liquids
- Adaptive (eating) equipment
Session 3: Appropriate Feeding Techniques
Key Topics:
- Preparing the dining environment
- Proper resident positioning
- Types of dining assistance
- Specific feeding techniques
Session 4: Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Key Topics:
- Fundamentals of positive communication
- Verbal v. non-verbal communication
- FOCUS with dementia residents
Session 5: Appropriate Responses to Resident Behavior
Key Topics:
- Causes and contexts of resident behavior
- Approaches to handle difficult behaviors
Session 6: Recognizing Changes in Residents
Key Topics:
- Dysphagia
- Aspiration
- Checklist for reporting resident changes
- Related Links:
- Understanding dysphagia clip
- New Jersey Department of Human Services "Managing Dysphagia" clip
Session 7: Safety Procedures & Infection Control
Key Topics:
- Potential safety hazards
- Choking (How to help someone who is choking video, on YouTube)
- Disease transmission
- Handwashing (Instructional video from the CDC, on YouTube)
- Infection control measures in food service
Session 8: Resident Rights
Key Topics:
- Basic principles of resident rights
- Definitions of abuse and neglect
- Reporting abuse and neglect
- Dining Assistant's role in maintaining resident rights