Care Homes

We have launched a free new resource for care homes to use to support residents with their eating, drinking and swallowing calledthe Kent Manual for Mealtimes (KM4M). It contains detailed practical advice which is evidence-based and aligns with the CQC Single Assessment Framework for safe, effective and well-led care.

It is aimed at older people’s care homes, both nursing and residential. It is launching initially in east and west Kent as well as Medway and Swale. (We hope in future that it will also be rolled out in north Kent.)

It gives clear instructions on when a person needs to be referred for SLT or dietetic assessment but also when low risk problems can be managed by care staff using the KM4M.

It includes an easy to complete problem chart which links with colour coded sections giving lots of advice around different areas of difficulty. There is a record sheet to document the changes that you put in place and whether they have helped.

Our web page has a video presentation to show you how to use the KM4M as well as all of the documents that you will need.

Click here to access the Kent Manual for Mealtimes and start using it in your care home today: Kent Manual for Mealtimes | Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust

We have piloted the KM4M at a selection of care homes across Kent and this is what the staff from these pilot sites have told us after using it:

• I would highly recommend to all staff to give it a try.
• It is easy to use
• The manual gives guidance on different factors to consider when residents have swallowing difficulty and points to try out/to check which is really good. It tells you when to refer to SLT
• Having easy access to support without having to refer is amazing.
• It is super handy having something available for that time you feel most useless when you are waiting for your contact from the SLT or Dietician teams. This gives staff something to work on and to trial rather than twiddling their thumbs.
• It gives staff the confidence to assess and intervene prior to any direct input from external professionals. We know that KM4M can be used and would be accepted by any external organisations, particularly CQC.

We can support you to start using KM4M in your care home. If you have any queries or would like to discuss the KM4M further, please contact your local SLT or community dietetic team.