CMS SOM App. PP, Tag F810

The facility must provide special eating equipment and utensils for residents who

need them and appropriate assistance to ensure that the resident can use the

assistive devices when consuming meals and snacks.

GUIDANCE §483.60(g)

The facility must provide appropriate assistive devices to residents who need them to

maintain or improve their ability to eat or drink independently, for example, improving

poor grasp by enlarging silverware handles with foam padding, aiding residents with

impaired coordination or tremor by installing plate guards, or specialized cups. The

facility must also provide the appropriate staff assistance to ensure that these residents

can use the assistive devices when eating or drinking.

For concerns regarding the use of other types of assistive devices, such as postural

supports for head, trunk and arms, please see guidance under F676 and F677 for ADL

care and services.

PROCEDURES §483.60(g)

Review sampled residents’ comprehensive assessment and plan of care for their

capacity/ability to eat independently:

• Determine if recommendations were made for adaptive eating equipment and

utensils. If they were, determine if these utensils are available and utilized by

residents.

• If recommended but not used, determine if this is by resident’s choice.

• If eating equipment and utensils are not being utilized, determine when these were

recommended and how their use is being monitored by the facility and if the staff

is developing alternative recommendations and monitoring ongoing assessments.

• Observe whether staff competently assists residents who use assistive devices.