About Feeding Assistance
Practical help at mealtimes for a person who needs assistance with ordinary eating and drinking.
Who may enquire about this service?
Older adults or people who need everyday support during meals.
What may be discussed?
- Assistance during meals according to the family’s agreed routine
- Respect for food preferences and dignity
- Support with meal-time setup
- Communication of difficulties noticed during the routine
Preparing for the discussion
- Share the home location and preferred dates or schedule.
- Explain the everyday support being requested and what the family can manage.
- For clinical services, have current instructions from the treating healthcare team available through an agreed appropriate channel.
- Identify the family contact and preferred communication method.
Before arranging care
JNS will ask about the location, desired schedule, the support being requested and any relevant care instructions. The family and JNS should agree the service description, responsibilities, staffing arrangement, charges and contact process before the start date.
Important scope and safety information
Related services
Families may also wish to read about other services in the same category:
Frequently asked questions
Does feeding assistance include NG tube feeding?
No. Ordinary meal-time assistance and tube feeding are different tasks. NG tube feeding is a clinical task requiring an appropriately qualified and authorised professional.
Can special diets be changed by a caregiver?
No. Prescribed diets, swallowing precautions and fluid restrictions must be directed by the treating healthcare professional.
Can help be arranged at meal times?
Yes. Share the preferred meal-time routine and any relevant instructions from the treating team.