February monthly Clinical Care Theme will target Standard 2 from the Standard & Guidelines for Residential Aged Care Services Manual.
Theme: Standard 2.10– Nutrition and Hydration
Expected Outcome: Residents receive adequate nourishment and hydration
Relevant Policies: Nutrition and Hydration; Nutrition and Hydration – Changing resident needs; Nutrition and Hydration – Tray Service
Other relevant policies:
- Change of residents Diet
- Family Supply of Food to residents
- Weighing of residents
Also For your reference:
- ACC Nutrition & Hydration
Responsibility of Registered Nurse/Care Managers/Team Leaders (Alkira ONLY):
- Conduct an assessment of the resident’s nutrition, hydration status and requirements, including assessment for soft/puree diet and thickened fluids, assess for swallowing difficulties (refer to speech pathologist if needed).
- Record weight on admission and monthly – monthly weights are to be documented on weights and vitals chart in Leecare.
- Document individual food preferences, residents’ religious and cultural beliefs and food intolerance/allergies, existing medical conditions which may effect food selection or absorption, eg, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, dietary requirements related to medication, e.g. warfarin.
- Assess resident’s level of dependence and requirements for assistance, including physical deficits such as sight impairment, hemiplegia and provide residents with devices to assist the individual resident eg, built-up-plate, thermal mug, special grip handles for utensils.’
Responsibility of Care Staff:
- Document all food and fluids consumed in a 24 hour period
- Notify the RN/relevant Care Manager/team leader (Alkira ONLY) of any abnormalities or decreases in oral intake
Nursing Care Plans need to reflect all of the above as assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation, together with documentation in the progress notes.