What is Offering Support?
Adapting to what residents need in the moment is an important way you can Offer Support.
Offering Support is asking and communicating with residents about what you plan to do, even if they can’t respond with words.
Remember, the amount of help a resident wants or needs may change from day to day.
What does Offering Support look like?
In this video, Sara knows what she needs. How would you Offer Support to her?
This video has no sound.
How can you Offer Support?
Not overdoing it: supporting only 1-2 residents at a time with eating
Asking if support is needed before doing something with or for residents
Offering encouragement
Communicating in words with residents even when they cannot respond with words
Taking note of day-to-day differences in what each person needs
Saying “May I offer you (something)?”
Offering choices slowly
Describing food choices clearly
Showing patience
Responding to body language or non-verbal cues
Making eye contact with residents when talking with or assisting them
Asking what kind of support is needed or wanted, instead of assuming that you already know
Supporting residents to eat on their own
Informing residents of what they are eating when assisting them