04 | Preparation and Delivery of Between-Meal Snacks and Supplements Table 4.2 Sample Policy and Procedures for Delivery of Between Meal Snacks
POLICY: Between-meal feedings will be available at established intervals, upon request, or when prescribed to meet the specialized nutritional needs of the resident/patient.
DATE EFFECTIVE: ___________________________________________________________________________ DATE REVISED: _____________________________________________________________________________ DATE REVIEWED: Annually APPROVED BY: ______________________________________________________________________________ ISSUING DEPARTMENT: Nutritional Services APPROVE FOR USE IN: _______________________________________________________________________
PROCEDURE
1. A variety of nourishments/snacks is available at each Nursing Unit daily. Each Nursing Unit will order nourishments/food supplies for residents.
2. Planned nourishments are delivered to the nursing unit front desk at 10:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. (HS) for nursing staff distribution.
3. Individual patient nourishments will be available when alterations in the usual feeding pattern are required due to the dietary prescription or patient need. These may be made by patient request, by nursing request, or as recommended by the Nutrition Professional (or approved designee).
4. The Nutrition Professional (or approved designee) and nursing staff will routinely refer to the nourishment intake record and MAR to determine if nourishments and supplements are being consumed and at what level. Changes will be made as needed to ensure acceptability by the resident.
5. Rotation of stock and sanitation of the nursing pantry areas is the responsibility of the respective nursing units and Nutritional Services.
6. Procedures for cleaning and care of the nursing pantry area have been developed by Nutritional Services and are posted in each pantry area.
Source: Jones, 2019
7. All individual nourishments should be covered for transport to residents. Each is labeled with the resident’s name, room number, date and time of delivery.
8. Nourishments or snacks are defined as food and/ or drink singly or in combination from the kitchen that are offered between meals to all residents whose diet order allows it. These foods are from the basic food groups.
9. Nutrition services personnel will maintain a log of residents who receive between-meal nourishments and supplements. This list will be used to prepare nourishments. Nursing staff will distribute the nourishments and record intake.
10. The Nutrition Professional will refer to the MAR to determine what percentage of supplements are being consumed. The Nutrition Professional will refer to the approved facility form to determine if nourishments/snacks are being consumed and what amount.
11. If a nourishment or supplement is not being consumed, the Nutrition Professional should review the meal pattern and overall care plan approaches; visit with the resident and/or family member; and make changes to help ensure intake and acceptability by the resident as much as possible.