The purpose of this study was to extend earlier research on the dining assistant (DA) federal regulation allowing trained non-nursing staff to provide feeding assistance care in nursing homes. Observations were conducted pre- and post-implementation, with periodic observations during implementation. To assess sustainability, data were analyzed at 12 months post-implementation. Results replicated previous findings: DAs spent more time assisting residents, and the quality of care was comparable to that of nurse aides. Results confirmed continuation of the program at 12 months post-implementation. DA programs that augment nursing home staffing levels offer a feasible way to improve feeding assistance care within the constraints of existing resources.
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