Care Home Training

IDDSI Staff Training ProgrammeFor Care Home Kitchen & Nursing Staff

Equip your care home team with the knowledge and skills to prepare, test and document IDDSI-compliant texture-modified food — meeting SWD licensing requirements and protecting resident safety.

Hong Kong Care Home Requirements

SWD Licensing & Annual Refresher

The Social Welfare Department (SWD) requires licensed Residential Care Homes for the Elderly (RCHEs) to maintain documented evidence of staff competency in dysphagia dietary management. Our training programme is designed to meet these requirements.

SWD Licensing Requirement

SWD-licensed RCHEs must demonstrate that kitchen and care staff can correctly identify and prepare food to the prescribed IDDSI texture level for each resident.

Annual Refresher Recommended

Best practice guidance recommends an annual refresher for all staff involved in food preparation and meal service to residents with dysphagia.

Competency Documentation

Our training includes a signed competency checklist for each attendee, suitable for inclusion in staff records and SWD audit files.

Training Modules

4 Core Modules — Foundation to Emergency Response

1

Module 1: IDDSI Basics

60 minutes

  • What is IDDSI and why it matters
  • The 8 IDDSI levels — food and liquid
  • How to read a resident's dietary prescription
  • Common misconceptions and errors
2

Module 2: Texture Testing

90 minutes

  • Fork Drip Test (Levels 4–6)
  • Flow Test (Levels 1–4)
  • Spoon Tilt Test (Level 4)
  • Hands-on practice with SeniorDeli products
3

Module 3: Documentation & Compliance

45 minutes

  • Recording IDDSI levels in resident care plans
  • Batch record keeping for SWD audits
  • Labelling meals in the kitchen
  • Incident reporting procedures
4

Module 4: Emergency Response

45 minutes

  • Recognising choking and aspiration warning signs
  • First response protocol
  • When to escalate to a speech therapist
  • Post-incident documentation

Delivery Formats

In-Person, Online & Train-the-Trainer

In-Person Workshop

Full-day on-site training at your care home. Includes hands-on texture testing with real products. Suitable for up to 20 staff per session.

Online Video Programme

Self-paced 2-hour video course accessible on any device. Ideal for new staff induction or refresher training between in-person sessions.

Train-the-Trainer

Certify one or two senior staff members to deliver ongoing in-house training. Includes trainer handbook and assessment materials.

Certification

All staff who complete the full training programme receive a SeniorDeli IDDSI Competency Certificate. The certificate documents the modules completed, the date of training, and the trainer's name — suitable for SWD audit files.

Certificate Valid 2 Years

Each certificate is valid for 2 years from the date of training. A refresher session resets the validity period.

Easy Renewal

Renewal training takes half the time of the initial programme (2 hours) and can be delivered on-site or online.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many staff can attend one in-person session?
Each in-person workshop accommodates up to 20 participants. For larger care homes, we can schedule back-to-back sessions on the same day.
Is the training available in Chinese?
Yes. All training materials and sessions are available in Traditional Chinese (Cantonese medium) and Simplified Chinese. English sessions are also available.
Do you provide training certificates accepted by SWD?
Our certificates are issued on SeniorDeli / Carewells letterhead and document all required competency evidence. We recommend reviewing the certificates with your SWD liaison officer to confirm acceptance for your specific audit requirements.
Can the training be customised for our care home's products?
Yes. We can incorporate your current menu and product range into the hands-on testing modules so staff practise with the exact products they use daily.

Ready to Train Your Team?

Contact us to schedule a training demo or discuss a custom training programme for your care home.