A Preliminary Evaluation of the Paid Feeding Assistant Regulation: Impact on Feeding Assistance Care Process Quality in Nursing Homes
Journal Article
April 1, 2007
This article explores the utilization of paid feeding assistants (PFAs) in nursing homes — the amount of comparative assistance received by residents and the impact PFAs have on nurse aide and licensed nurse staff and staffing levels. Findings indicate that the quality of feeding assistance care provided by PFAs is comparable to that provided by indigenous nurse aides. Further, existing staffing levels are not negatively impacted by PFA program implementation.
"Organizers designed the PFA regulation to increase the number of staff available to provide assistance with eating and improve nutritional care process quality."
"The quality of feeding assistance care provided by these workers was comparable to that provided by indigenous nurse aides."
"The PFA regulation may serve to increase the utilization of existing non-nursing staff to improve feeding assistance care during meals without having a negative impact on existing nurse aide and licensed nurse staffing levels."
