Home Safety Academy › Sit an older person upright before feeding
♡ Food safety
Sit an older person upright before feeding Support the person upright as their individual swallowing plan directs before feeding. Pause and obtain help if the position cannot be maintained; never feed while lying flat.
High-priority reminder
Last reviewed: 2026-09-20
Why it matters Even food of the right texture can enter the airway when fed to someone lying down.
✕ Wrong actionStarting a meal before correcting a reclined or unsupported position.
✓ Correct actionSupport the person upright as their individual swallowing plan directs before feeding.
What to do Check alertness and the person's prescribed feeding position before each meal. Support the person upright as their individual swallowing plan directs before feeding. Pause and obtain help if the position cannot be maintained; never feed while lying flat.
If something happens For serious injury, unconsciousness or difficulty breathing, keep yourself safe, call 999 and follow the operator.
Sources and review This page provides general home-safety information and does not replace medical, legal, electrical, or other professional advice.
Choose your helper's language × Choose your helper's language 中文 English Bahasa Indonesia Tagalog Remember this languageView link