EATing Assistance Program

The program...
is an educational program developed at Baycrest to teach staff and volunteers how to provide effective mealtime assistance to patients and residents. Training is provided on-site with professional staff.

Our research shows...
that many of our residents and patients have difficulty with eating. They have swallowing problems and seating adjustment challenges, and they may not be eating the right amount of food.

Goals of the EATing Program

To maintain mealtime safety
To encourage client participation in eating
To promote family involvement
To encourage the social and pleasurable aspects of the mealtime experience

The Role of a Volunteer EATing Assistant

To provide nourishment
To help the client to be as independent as possible and maintain dignity
To be an active participant in the clients eating experience
To be able to watch and listen for changes from day to day
To have a helpful attitude
To ask for assistance if you are having diffficulties when providing eating Assistance to residents and patients.

Note that volunteers do not perform any healthcare duties such as positioning of a client, or inserting and removing dentures.

To find out more about being a Volunteer in the EATing Assistance Program, contact an EATing Assistance Coordinator in the Volunteer Services Department at (416) 785-2500 ext. 2135 or 3004.