Mealtime checklist

Eating independently

Mealtimes are vital for a healthy life at home, offering opportunities to bring people together and add excitement and routine to the day. However, they can be stressful for individuals and carers, especially when eating and drinking issues arise. Several factors can improve the safety and experience of mealtimes. Use our Mealtime Checklist to support eating and drinking, creating positive mealtime experiences. This tool is helpful for new carers and can be adapted for individuals with dementia or cognitive difficulties. Over time, as routines develop, you may no longer need the checklist. Feel free to add personal checkpoints tailored to your family's needs—after all, you know best!

In this content there is a mention of hand-over-hand support. Here is a wonderful video by United Response Practice Development that describes how this is done. Though they support people with profound and multiple disabilities, this technique works just as successfully when supporting people living with dementia.

Meet our experts

Chloe Green

Chloe completed a BSc in Speech and Language Therapy from City University of London. She started her career in the NHS in the adult acute setting and has worked across a range of medical specialities, including frailty, respiratory medicine, oncology and neurological rehabilitation. Chloe subsequently specialised in voice and upper airway disorders. In her current NHS clinical practice alongside her work at Nightingale Hammerson, she is based in the paediatric acute service within Bart’s Health Trust, as well as running a paediatric Voice and Upper Airway service. At Nightingale Hammerson, Chloe works within the multidisciplinary therapy team, supporting Residents with Dysphagia and communication difficulties. She enjoys maximising Resident’s quality of life and supporting members of the care team with learning and development.

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Adaptive Cutlery

In this video, we showcase adapted cutlery designed to assist those with eating difficulties, helping them maintain their independence for as long as possible.

Adaptive Cups and Beakers

In this video, we demonstrate adapted cups and beakers designed to assist those with eating difficulties, helping them maintain their independence for as long as possible.

Adaptive Plates and Bowls

In this video, we demonstrate adapted plates and bowls designed to help those with eating difficulties maintain their independence for as long as possible.

Mealtime Diary

Use this Mealtime Diary to track concerning signs during meals.

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The resources available are not, and are not intended to be, medical advice, which should be tailored to your individual circumstances. The resources are for your information only, and we advise that you exercise your own judgment before deciding to use the information provided. Professional medical advice should be obtained before taking action. Full terms and conditions.

Please note that all of our resources must be used in full and are unable to be personalised or customised.