Positioning During Eating

Ideal positioning during eating• Seatedonafirmsurface,suchasthestraightchairprovidedintheroom

• Feetflatonthefloor• Equalweightbearingonbothbuttocks(nottiltedtooneside)

• Sittingupstraightorslightlyforward(exception:someonewithhipprecautionsshouldnotbendforwardgreaterthan90degrees)

• Abletorestbothforearmsonthetablewithelbowbent,withouthikingattheshoulderorslouchingtoreachthetray

• Headupright,inmidline(middleofthebody)withchinslightlytuckeddown

Other tips• Ifanindividualneedstobeinbedorinarecliner,trytofollowtheaboveguidelines.Usetowelsorpillowstohelpwithproperpositioning.

• Ifneeded,foodcouldbetakenoffthetrayforbetteraccessfortheindividual.

• Usecontrastingcolorsfortheindividualwithlowvision(i.e.,whitenapkinsandplatesonacoloredplacemat,whitemilkinablackcupandblackcoffeeinalightcup).

• Adaptiveequipment,suchasaplateguardorutensilswithbuiltuphandles,maybeappropriate.

• AnOccupationalTherapyconsultforevaluationoffeedingskills(physicianorderrequired)maybeappropriateifanindividualhas:

–Tremors –Observationofexcessivespillingwhenthe

individualisintheidealposition –Severearthritis –Difficultyreachingtobedsidetableforcup –Difficultyholdingstandardcup –Visionproblemsthatinterferewitheating –Patientreportsproblemswithfeedinghim/herself• ASpeechTherapyconsultforswallowing(physicianorderrequired)maybeappropriateifanindividualhas:

–Difficultyswallowing –Chokingorcoughingduringeating –Pocketingoffood –Unexplainedelevatedtemperature –Cognitiveissuesrelatedtoeating

X35303bc(02/09)©AHCPositioning

Sitting Positioning

Bed PositioningIdeal

Ideal

Not ideal Not ideal

The information presented is intended for general information and educational purposes. It is not intended to replace the advice of your health care provider. Contact your health care provider if you believe you have a health problem.

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