5.2 Describe how to use a person-centred approach to support individuals with different levels of ability to eat and drink

This guide will help you answer 5.2 Describe how to use a person-centred approach to support individuals with different levels of ability to eat and drink.

A person-centred approach focuses on tailoring care and support to meet the specific needs, preferences, and abilities of each individual. When supporting someone with eating and drinking, recognising their unique circumstances and involving them in decisions is really important. This approach helps maintain their autonomy, dignity, and wellbeing, ensuring they feel empowered and supported.

What are Individual Needs and Preferences?

Every individual has specific needs and preferences when it comes to eating and drinking. Using a person-centred approach means taking the time to find out what matters to the person and adjusting support accordingly.

Steps to identify individual preferences include:

• Asking the individual about their favourite foods and drinks.
• Understanding cultural, religious, or lifestyle-related dietary requirements.
• Talking to families, carers, or advocates if the person has communication difficulties.
• Observing how they respond to certain foods or drinks, especially if they are non-verbal.

Examples include:

• Offering vegetarian options to a person who avoids meat.
• Providing halal or kosher foods based on religious principles.
• Serving soft food or thickened liquids to someone with swallowing difficulties.

By focusing on choices and preferences, care becomes more respectful and personalised.

Assessing Physical Ability to Eat and Drink

Different individuals have varying physical abilities that impact how they eat and drink. A person-centred approach evaluates these abilities and provides support tailored to their needs.

Considerations include:

Manual Dexterity
Some people may struggle to use cutlery or hold a cup due to arthritis, tremors, or limited mobility. To assist:

• Provide adaptive utensils, such as weighted or easy-grip cutlery.
• Use plates with raised edges to prevent spillage.
• Offer cups with handles or straws for easier drinking.

Swallowing Difficulties (Dysphagia)
People with swallowing difficulties require changes to food texture and drink consistency. Support can include:

• Serving pureed or soft foods, like mashed potatoes or yoghurt.
• Using thickening agents for liquids.
• Supervising meals to ensure they eat safely.

Sensory Impairments
Individuals with limited vision or hearing might need assistance with identifying food and drink. Strategies include:

• Labelling items in large print or braille.
• Describing what’s on the plate.
• Using contrasting colours for plates and cups to make food more visible.

Understanding these physical challenges helps carers adapt support effectively.

Supporting Emotional and Psychological Needs

Eating and drinking is not just about physical nourishment; it’s also about emotional wellbeing and enjoyment. Using a person-centred approach means acknowledging emotional factors that may influence an individual’s ability or willingness to eat.

Examples include:

Anxiety or Loss of Appetite
A person may feel anxious about eating due to past choking incidents or health conditions. To offer support:

• Create a calm, relaxed atmosphere during meals.
• Spend time reassuring the individual and avoid rushing them.
• Encourage small portions if they struggle with appetite.

Social Isolation
Eating alone can be upsetting for some individuals. To address this:

• Arrange mealtimes in a group setting, if appropriate.
• Help them eat alongside family or peers to build connections.
• Offer companionship during meals to reduce loneliness.

By addressing emotional needs, individuals can feel more comfortable and confident with eating and drinking.

Involving the Individual in Decision-Making

A key principle of person-centred care is involving individuals in decisions about their needs. When supporting eating and drinking, it’s important to give the person choice and control.

Ways to involve individuals include:

• Asking what they want to eat or drink at each mealtime.
• Allowing them to contribute to meal planning or preparation where possible.
• Offering several options to avoid feelings of limitation or restriction.
• Listening to their feedback if they dislike certain foods or feel uncomfortable with how meals are served.

Even individuals with limited communication abilities can participate in decision-making through non-verbal cues, such as pointing to preferred items or using communication boards.

Adapting Support for Cognitive or Learning Disabilities

People with cognitive impairments or learning disabilities may require extra guidance and understanding. A person-centred approach accommodates these needs and promotes inclusivity.

For example:

• Simplifying Instructions
  Provide clear, concise instructions about eating and drinking. Break tasks into smaller steps, such as holding the spoon and bringing it to the mouth.
• Visual Aids
  Use pictures or symbols to help the person recognise food choices or follow mealtime routines. For instance, a photo menu can help them decide.
• Gentle Encouragement
  Offer positive reinforcement to boost their confidence during meals. Praise their efforts, even if the progress is small.

These adjustments support independence and dignity, reducing frustration or confusion during eating.

Ensuring Dignity and Respect

Promoting dignity while eating and drinking is central to a person-centred approach. This involves treating individuals with respect and avoiding actions that might embarrass or undermine them.

Key practices include:

• Allowing the person to eat at their own pace.
• Avoiding negative comments or criticism of their eating habits.
• Providing privacy if they feel self-conscious about needing assistance.
• Offering adaptive support discreetly, such as handing a straw without drawing attention.

Recognising their humanity and individuality helps them feel valued and respected.

Encouraging Independence

Whenever possible, a person-centred approach encourages independence with eating and drinking. This means offering support that empowers individuals rather than doing tasks for them unnecessarily.

Steps to encourage independence can include:

• Placing foods or drinks within easy reach.
• Using assistive devices, such as non-slip mats or specialised cutlery.
• Offering gentle prompting rather than full physical assistance.
• Gradually stepping back support as their confidence or ability improves.

By prioritising independence, individuals gain a sense of ownership over their actions and daily routines.

Collaborating with Multidisciplinary Teams

Some individuals may require specialist input to support their ability to eat and drink. A person-centred approach involves working closely with professionals to ensure the best care.

Relevant professionals include:

• Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs)
  SLTs can assess swallowing difficulties and recommend food consistency, proper positioning, or techniques to avoid choking.
• Dietitians
  Dietitians provide advice on nutritional needs, especially for individuals with medical conditions like diabetes or allergies.
• Occupational Therapists
  These professionals can suggest tools and adaptations, such as specialised cutlery or supportive seating.

By collaborating with experts, carers can deliver tailored support that aligns with the individual’s needs.

Creating a Positive Mealtime Environment

A person-centred approach extends beyond food – it involves creating an environment conducive to eating and drinking.

Strategies include:

• Playing soothing background music to relax the individual.
• Setting the table in an inviting way, using bright colours or decorative items.
• Providing appropriate seating arrangements, such as chairs with armrests, to improve comfort and posture.
• Reducing distractions, such as turning off the TV or other noise sources during meals.

These steps ensure mealtimes are enjoyable and stress-free.

Monitoring Progress and Adjusting Support

A person-centred approach involves regular monitoring of the individual’s eating and drinking abilities. Needs often change, especially for people with progressive conditions like Parkinson’s or dementia. Carers should be observant and flexible in adapting support.

Examples of monitoring include:

• Tracking their weight or appetite to identify signs of malnutrition or overfeeding.
• Watching for changes in swallowing ability to avoid choking risks.
• Listening to feedback about how they feel during meals.

Adjustments can then be made to improve their experience and outcomes.

Final Thoughts

Using a person-centred approach to support individuals with eating and drinking means focusing on their specific needs, preferences, physical abilities, and emotional wellbeing. By adapting support, promoting independence, and respecting dignity, carers can ensure individuals feel supported and valued. Collaboration with professionals and regular evaluation of the approach helps maintain the best possible quality of care.

This method emphasises choice, inclusion, and respect – key factors in enhancing both the individual’s health and their quality of life.