Description

This course is designed for care and support workers who require an understanding of nutrition, individual dietary needs and the principles of safely supporting people who experience swallowing difficulties. The course introduces the principles of healthy eating and balanced nutrition, including the main food groups, essential nutrients and the importance of adequate hydration. Learners consider how individual nutritional requirements may be influenced by medical conditions, allergies and intolerances, medication, cultural or religious preferences and other personal needs. The course also considers the importance of following individual Care Plans and monitoring food and fluid intake. Learners develop an awareness of dysphagia, including common signs and symptoms and associated risks such as choking, aspiration, dehydration and malnutrition. The course introduces approaches to managing swallowing difficulties, including modifications to food, fluids, positioning, equipment and the mealtime environment. Learners are introduced to the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) framework and the principles of texture-modified foods and thickened fluids. The course also considers safe and respectful mealtime support, including appropriate positioning, encouraging independence, assisting individuals who require support with eating and following person-specific instructions. Learners are additionally introduced to enteral nutrition and the importance of following an individual`s prescribed Enteral Nutrition Plan where this form of nutritional support is required. This eLearning course provides awareness and underpinning knowledge of nutrition, dysphagia and mealtime support. It does not provide practical competency to independently assess swallowing difficulties, prescribe or alter modified diets or fluids, or administer enteral nutrition without the appropriate role-specific training, instruction and authorisation.

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