Feeding people with IDD is one of the most difficult tasks in the role of direct caregivers in frameworks for nursing cases and is also one of the most important interactions between the caregiving staff and the care recipients in such frameworks.
A brainstorming session on feeding people with IDD was held on July 14 at the Beit Doron center in Ramat Gan. This session was part of the process of applying the findings of research studies, with the aim of determining how much it is possible to ease the burden on the caregivers of helpless population groups in general and persons with IDD in particular, specifically in regarding to feeding.
The brainstorming session was led by Malka from the AWARE Institute, which also carried out the research study. Conducted in a round-table format, it dealt with the various aspects of feeding that are discussed in research studies: gentleness, a positive attitude, personal contact, involvement, mealtime as a social and learning event, pleasure, and so on.
Counselors and caregivers from various community settings were seated around each table, as were the directors of those settings and caregivers in the health services field. All the participants focused on ideas and examples for promoting these aspects in the daily routine of caregiving for people with IDD.
The results of the brainstorming session will lead to recommendations to be applied in places where people with IDD are fed, so as to make life easier for both the caregiving teams and the recipients of their services.
A brainstorming session on feeding people with IDD was held on July 14 at the Beit Doron center in Ramat Gan. This session was part of the process of applying the findings of research studies, with the aim of determining how much it is possible to ease the burden on the caregivers of helpless population groups in general and persons with IDD in particular, specifically in regarding to feeding.
The brainstorming session was led by Malka from the AWARE Institute, which also carried out the research study. Conducted in a round-table format, it dealt with the various aspects of feeding that are discussed in research studies: gentleness, a positive attitude, personal contact, involvement, mealtime as a social and learning event, pleasure, and so on.
Counselors and caregivers from various community settings were seated around each table, as were the directors of those settings and caregivers in the health services field. All the participants focused on ideas and examples for promoting these aspects in the daily routine of caregiving for people with IDD.
The results of the brainstorming session will lead to recommendations to be applied in places where people with IDD are fed, so as to make life easier for both the caregiving teams and the recipients of their services.
Sharon Ganot, Director of Information at the Shalem Foundation, said, “The session that we held was a fascinating experience. It enabled us to learn about new insights, opportunities for breakthroughs, and innovations in the field. Food is an essential subject in our culture; the meeting with professionals in the field and with people with IDD over the various issues connected with food showcased the various emotions, needs and desires associated with the topic of food.”
The research and its implementation process are being conducted with the close collaboration of representatives of the Community Services Department of the Division of Services for Persons with Developmental Disabilities at the Social Affairs and Social Services Ministry.
The research and its implementation process are being conducted with the close collaboration of representatives of the Community Services Department of the Division of Services for Persons with Developmental Disabilities at the Social Affairs and Social Services Ministry.
The representatives are:
• Shoshi Aspeler, coordinating nurse in the field of community nursing care, Health Services Unit
• Sigal Yisraeli, National Nutrition Supervisor, Health Services Unit
• Nili Ben-Dor, National Information Management and Instruction Supervisor
• Anat Frank, National Supervisor for Advancement Programs, Analysis, Implementation and Advancement Department
• Shoshi Aspeler, coordinating nurse in the field of community nursing care, Health Services Unit
• Sigal Yisraeli, National Nutrition Supervisor, Health Services Unit
• Nili Ben-Dor, National Information Management and Instruction Supervisor
• Anat Frank, National Supervisor for Advancement Programs, Analysis, Implementation and Advancement Department
The Shalem Foundation is a partner in the initiation, operation and funding of both research studies and their implementation.
