F-810: Assistive Devices for Safe, Dignified Eating

Smart Bites: LTC Nutrition Insights

Issue No. 9 — February 10, 2026

F-810: Assistive Devices for Safe, Dignified Eating

F-810 requires facilities to provide special eating equipment and utensils—and the staff assistance to use them—to help residents eat and drink as independently and safely as possible during meals and snacks. This includes items like built‑up utensils, plate guards, and specialty cups, as well as cueing or hands‑on help so residents can actually benefit from these devices.

What Does F-810 Require?

Facilities must:

  • Provide special eating equipment and utensils to residents who need them to maintain or improve independence with eating and drinking.

  • Ensure appropriate staff assistance so residents can use assistive devices during meals and snacks (not just place them on the tray).

  • Follow the care plan and assessment recommendations for adaptive equipment and update them as needs change.

  • Monitor use of devices, resident response, and refusals, and develop alternative recommendations when devices are not effective or not used.

Common Survey Triggers for F-810

  • Resident assessed for adaptive equipment (e.g., plate guard, weighted utensils, lidded cup) but it’s not on the tray and not in use during observations.

  • Care plan or therapy notes call for adaptive equipment, but tray tickets and kardexes do not reflect these needs.​

  • Residents using fingers or spilling large amounts of food due to tremors or poor grip, with no appropriate assistive device or staff help provided.

  • Staff feeding residents who could eat more independently if their ordered adaptive devices were provided and supported.​

  • No evidence that staff monitor, communicate, or reassess when residents stop using, or cannot use, their devices.

Smart Tips for F-810 Compliance

  • Integrate Devices into the Care Plan and Tray System
    Make sure adaptive equipment needs are clearly reflected in the comprehensive assessment, care plan, tray tickets, and kardex so they show up consistently at every meal and snack.

  • Educate Staff on “Why” and “How”
    Train CNAs, nurses, and dietary staff on how to set up plate guards, specialty cups, and built‑up utensils and when to cue versus feed.

  • Observe Mealtimes with Intention
    During dining rounds, look specifically for residents who were assessed for devices—are the right tools present, and are staff assisting effectively?

  • Track Refusals and Changes in Ability
    If residents refuse a device or can no longer use it, document it, communicate to the IDT, and revise the plan of care rather than silently dropping the intervention.

  • Coordinate with Therapy
    Collaborate with OT/PT/Speech to identify appropriate devices, trial options, and ensure follow‑through once recommendations move from therapy to daily practice.

Did You Know?

CMS expects facilities to use assistive devices and staff support to help residents remain as independent as possible with eating and drinking, not to move straight to full feeding when independence can be maintained. Failure to provide or implement needed adaptive equipment can be cited under F810 and may also intersect with ADL and quality‑of‑life tags like F676 and F677.

Stay Ahead with Smart Bites
Next issue: F-802 – Sufficient Staff to Meet Nutrition Needs
Need support building a snack program or auditing nourishments and supplements? Contact info@dietarysolutions.net or visit www.dietarysolutions.net

Amanda Smith