What is the goal of providing supplemental feedings to residents?

The primary goal of providing supplemental feedings to residents is to meet specific nutritional needs. Supplemental feedings are designed to offer additional calories, vitamins, and minerals that may not be sufficiently supplied by regular meals alone. This is especially important for individuals who may have increased nutritional requirements due to medical conditions, aging, or poor appetite. By offering these supplements, caregivers can help ensure that residents maintain their overall health, support their energy levels, and promote recovery or maintenance of their health status.

In contrast, decreasing appetite is not a goal of supplemental feedings, as these are intended to enhance nutritional intake. Strict adherence to specific diets may guide the choice of supplements, but the main focus remains on fulfilling the individual’s nutritional needs rather than simply following dietary restrictions. Lastly, while supplemental feedings may add to the overall caloric intake, they are not designed to replace regular meals; rather, they are meant to complement them to address any deficiencies.