CHW122-Mealtimes Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Mealtimes Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all residents at {{org_field_name}} experience enjoyable, nutritionally balanced, and person-centred mealtimes that respect their individual dietary needs, cultural preferences, and personal choices. This policy sets out how our care home supports residents to have safe, social, and dignified mealtimes, promoting well-being and independence in line with Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) regulations.

This policy aims to:

Ensure nutritional and hydration needs are met, supporting overall health and well-being.
Create a positive mealtime experience that enhances quality of life.
Promote resident choice and independence, considering individual dietary preferences.
Maintain high standards of food hygiene and safety.
Provide staff with clear guidance on assisting residents with eating and drinking.
Comply with The Regulated Services (Service Providers and Responsible Individuals) (Wales) Regulations 2017 and best practices in nutrition and hydration.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

All residents, ensuring meals are tailored to their needs and preferences.
All staff, including care workers, kitchen staff, and management.
Visitors, ensuring mealtime arrangements accommodate family engagement.
External professionals, such as dietitians and speech therapists, where required.

3. Related Policies

This policy aligns with:

Meeting Nutritional and Hydration Needs Policy (CHW12).
Safe Care and Treatment Policy (CHW11).
Infection Prevention and Control Policy (CHW17).
Dignity and Respect Policy (CHW08).
End of Life and Palliative Care Policy (CHW38).

4. Mealtime Experience and Environment

Mealtimes are a social and enjoyable experience for residents. Staff must ensure that:

Dining areas are clean, comfortable, and free from distractions.
Tables are set attractively, using appropriate cutlery and tableware.
Assistance is discreet and respectful, maintaining residents’ dignity.
Residents are given ample time to eat without feeling rushed.
Where possible, residents are encouraged to eat together to promote social interaction.
Residents who prefer privacy may eat in their own rooms.

Residents are encouraged to be involved in menu planning, table setting, and choosing where they sit, where appropriate.

5. Choice, Independence, and Personal Preferences

5.1. Resident Preferences and Cultural Needs

Menus reflect diverse cultural, religious, and personal preferences.
Residents can choose from multiple meal options at each mealtime.
Meals are prepared in accordance with dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, halal, kosher, and allergen-free options.
Residents can request alternative meals if they do not like the main choices.

5.2. Encouraging Independence

Adaptive cutlery and crockery are provided for residents with mobility difficulties.
Residents are supported to eat independently where possible.
Hand-over-hand support or assistance is provided only when required.

6. Nutritional and Hydration Support

6.1. Nutritionally Balanced Meals

All meals are designed to meet residents’ dietary requirements, including:

Adequate protein, fibre, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Age-appropriate portion sizes to prevent malnutrition or overeating.
Fortified meals for residents who need additional calories or nutrients.

Snacks and drinks are available throughout the day and night to maintain hydration and energy levels.

6.2. Monitoring Hydration

Residents are encouraged to drink fluids regularly, with staff providing assistance where needed.
Fluid intake is monitored for residents at risk of dehydration.
Thickened fluids are provided for residents with swallowing difficulties, following speech therapist recommendations.

7. Supporting Residents with Eating and Drinking

7.1. Assistance with Eating

Some residents may require assistance with meals. Staff must:

Offer support in a respectful and patient manner.
Position residents correctly to eat comfortably and safely.
Encourage self-feeding where possible, providing prompts instead of direct feeding unless necessary.
Be trained in dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) and how to support residents safely.

7.2. Dysphagia and Modified Diets

Residents with swallowing difficulties are assessed by a Speech and Language Therapist (SALT).
Food textures and fluid consistencies are adjusted following International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) guidelines.
Staff are trained to recognise signs of choking and how to respond.

7.3. Supporting Residents with Dementia

Residents with dementia may need extra support to eat and drink, including:

Visual meal presentation (contrasting plates, finger foods for easier handling).
Gentle reminders and encouragement throughout the meal.
Minimising distractions to help residents focus on eating.

8. Special Dietary Requirements

Residents with medical conditions or special dietary needs must have a clear nutritional plan recorded in their care plan. This includes:

Diabetic-friendly meals for residents with diabetes.
Low-sodium diets for residents with heart disease.
High-calorie or high-protein diets for residents at risk of malnutrition.
Soft or pureed diets for residents with swallowing difficulties.

Dietary needs must be reviewed regularly by nutritionists, GPs, or dietitians.

9. Food Hygiene and Safety

9.1. Food Preparation and Storage

All food is stored and prepared following HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) guidelines.
Temperature monitoring is conducted for hot and cold foods.
Allergens are clearly labelled to prevent cross-contamination.

9.2. Staff Training in Food Safety

All kitchen and care staff complete Level 2 Food Hygiene Training.
Staff handling food must follow strict hand hygiene and infection control measures.

10. Residents’ Rights and Dignity

Residents have the right to make choices about their meals and dining experience. This means:

They can refuse food they do not want.
They can choose when and where they eat.
They can eat alone or with others.
Their religious and cultural dietary needs are always respected.

If a resident has difficulty making informed choices, their key worker or family member may assist in meal planning.

11. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

To ensure high standards in mealtime services:

Resident feedback is collected regularly on food quality and menu options.
Staff meetings include discussions on meal provision and resident nutrition.
Audits on food safety, portion control, and meal satisfaction are conducted.
Dietary changes or interventions are reviewed quarterly or as needed.

12. Compliance with CIW Regulations

To comply with CIW guidelines, {{org_field_name}} ensures:

Menus and nutritional plans align with Public Health Wales and CIW standards.
Meal assistance and dietary needs are recorded in care plans.
Food hygiene policies are strictly followed.

CIW inspectors will review mealtime procedures, ensuring residents receive appropriate nutrition and hydration.

13. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:

CIW regulations change.
New dietary guidelines emerge.
Resident feedback suggests improvements.

Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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