Enhancing Senior Living: Sodexo's Dining Assistance Program
As we age, certain tasks that were once effortless can become challenging. For many people in nursing homes or hospitals, something as simple as feeding oneself can become a daunting task due to any number of health issues. At Sodexo Seniors, we understand the importance of ensuring that every resident receives the nutrition they need to thrive. That's why we're proud to offer our dining assistance program, designed to provide essential support and training to employees who assist with dining in senior living communities.
Program Overview: Helping Hands
Our dining assistance program, known as Helping Hands, is tailored for non-nursing personnel who play a vital role in the dining experience of seniors. Whether it's ensuring proper nutrition and hydration or assisting with self-feeding difficulties, our program equips participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide compassionate care.
Comprehensive Training
Helping Hands isn't just a training session — it's a comprehensive program aimed at fostering deep understanding and engagement among participants. With a mix of videos, games, discussions and lectures, our training approach ensures that every participant grasps essential concepts such as nutrition and hydration, dining assistance techniques, communication skills and resident rights.
At Sodexo, we understand that effective training goes beyond just delivering information — it's about creating meaningful learning experiences. That's why Helping Hands incorporates proven adult learning techniques such as role play, interactive exercises and hands-on training. By engaging participants in various learning modalities, we ensure that they not only understand the material but also feel confident in applying their knowledge in real-world scenarios.
The Helping Hands training our dining assistants received has not only improved the mealtime experience for our residents but has also had a noticeable impact on their overall health and happiness. It's truly rewarding to see the positive changes in our community. I highly recommend it to any senior living community looking to elevate their care and resident satisfaction." - Joseph Shadid, CEO, Holy Family Senior Living, Pennsylvania
Improving Resident Outcomes
Many seniors in skilled nursing facilities face risks such as dehydration and unintentional weight loss due to meal intake challenges. Traditionally, only certified nursing assistants and licensed staff could provide dining assistance. However, with specialized training through programs like Helping Hands, non-nursing staff, volunteers and even family members can step in to support residents. By empowering individuals with the skills to provide proper dining assistance, we aim to improve resident health and overall well-being.
Our Dining Assistance Program isn't just about fulfilling certification requirements; it's about enhancing the resident dining experience. By instilling a sense of empathy, compassion and professionalism in our participants, we strive to create dining environments that promote dignity, respect and well-being for every resident.
Join Us in Making a Difference
At Sodexo Seniors, we're committed to transforming the way senior living communities approach dining assistance. Through our dining assistance program, we empower individuals to make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents. Join us in providing essential support, promoting health and longevity, and enriching the senior living experience for all. Together, we can create a brighter, healthier future for our loved ones in senior care.