Speech and Language Therapy - Careful hand feeding

If a patient is unable to feed themselves, careful hand feeding may be recommended by the Speech and Language Therapist.

Careful hand feeding strategies

• Make sure the person is fully awake and alert
• Make sure the person is sitting as upright as possible before any food or drink is given
• Check that the person is wearing their dentures and that they fit
• Sit facing the person and stay with them for the full mealtime. The person is often helped by having the same carer who knows how they like to eat and drink
• Show the food to the person and tell them what the food is. Describe the smell and taste. Be positive, especially if the person is on a special diet, such as puree food
• Keep the mealtime calm and free from distractions e.g. television
• If possible, encourage the person to feed themselves using hand-overhand feeding, to help guide the food to the person’s mouth
• Feed at a slow pace. Allow extra time as needed to support the person to finish their meal
• Follow any advice given by the Speech and Language Therapist about suitable consistencies of food. The person may find certain foods easier to chew and swallow
• Remind the person to chew, eat slowly and provide prompts to swallow
• If food or drink are held in the mouth and not swallowed, try offering an empty spoon to the lips or on the tongue, to encourage a swallow
• After swallowing, check if the person has any food in their mouth and either encourage them to swallow again or help them to remove it
• Invite family or friends to help at mealtimes. Make sure they are aware of the above advice if helping to feed
• Above all, BE PATIENT!

If you have any questions about this information, please ring 0161 206 2333 or email adult.salfordslt@nca.nhs.uk