What is the recommended position for feeding to promote safety and comfort?

• A. Stand at eye level with the resident for feeding.
• B. Sit at eye level with the resident for feeding.
• C. Feed while resident is reclined.
• D. Keep talking away from the resident during feeding.

Answer: (B)

Position feeding to support safe swallowing and comfort. Sit facing the resident at roughly the same height so you can keep the head and neck aligned and monitor swallowing easily. This upright, eye-level posture helps gravity assist swallowing and allows you to observe cues of distress or coughing, making adjustments as needed.

Standing at eye level can strain your back and may create awkward positioning that isn’t ideal for safe feeding. Feeding while the resident is reclined increases the risk of aspiration. Talking away from the resident doesn’t address positioning and safety during the act of eating, which is why the face-to-face, upright setup is preferred.