# Mealtime support: A guide for Helpers

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Source: https://helper-support.fivegoodfriends.com.au/en_us/new-course-safe-swallowing-strategies-ByHY314fs

Last updated: 2025-02-12T00:28:53.583Z

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Eating and drinking are vital parts of everyday life. Not only do we eat and drink to stay alive and healthy, but they are also enjoyable pastimes and form the basis of many social events. Mealtime support is, therefore, an essential service.

  

## **Why this matters**

Helpers must safely support Members with their meals and mealtimes because food poisoning, malnutrition, choking, and unknowingly breathing in food and drinks, which can cause pneumonia, are all potential dangers. As a Helper, your role in preventing these dangers is paramount.

  

## **Mealtime support: A guide for Helpers**

To continue providing the highest standard of care and responding to regulations within the aged care sector, we have training opportunities tailored for Members with mealtime support and safe swallowing needs.

Only trained Helpers can provide mealtime and safe swallowing support, and only trained Helpers will be matched or rostered with Members who need mealtime support.

Training ensures Helpers know how to:

*   Handle, cook and store food safely
*   Provide appealing and nourishing meals 
*   Promote mealtime independence
*   Recognise dysphagia (swallowing difficulties)
*   Modify food and drinks for Members who experience dysphagia
*   Support a Member to eat and drink using safe practices
*   Provide first aid for choking

### **Training requirements**

We have recently updated training requirements to ensure that Helpers have the knowledge and skills to provide safe mealtime support and can continue supporting your Members. Training includes the following courses:

1.  **Safe food handling in the home:** This guide is for Helpers who want to handle, prepare, cook, and store food for their Members. 
2.  **Safe swallowing:** This course is for Helpers who want to support Members with dysphagia by preparing food or helping them to eat and drink. 

To enrol directly, visit [LearnUpon](https://fivegoodfriends.learnupon.com/catalog/courses) and self-enrol in the free Safe Food Handling in the Home and Safe Swallowing courses. 

  

### **Your responsibilities**

As a Helper, you must ensure you have the knowledge and skills to provide safe and competent mealtime support. The safety and wellbeing of your Members depend on it.

For further information regarding your Members and their mealtime needs**,** **phone** 1300 787 581.

If you aren't sure what training you need to do or need help to enrol, please **email** [learning.development@fivegoodfriends.com.au](mailto:learning.development@fivegoodfriends.com.au)

  

**Safe and enjoyable mealtimes are essential for your Members' health and quality of life. Let's ensure we're all equipped to support them safely!**