Meal Support Services
Meal Support
Following the beliefs and treatment values held by the Alberta Wellness Center, the Registered Nurses utilize the EFFT Treatment model to support before, during and post meals and snacks. The goal of meal support is to use the steps of EFFT to help navigate emotions and increase the completion of meals and snacks.
Who can benefit from In home or Virtual Meal Support?
Clients who have recently left or are transitioning from residential, day programs or hospital programs will need support as they transition to meals and snacks at home.
Individuals living alone who find it difficult to prepare, eat and cope with meals alone.
Parents and other support people, who need support and education to provide meal support to their loved ones at home.
What is the process?
A one hour assessment will be completed with the Registered Nurse to review goals, meal plans, number of meals, meal support appointment length, requested support, education needed, medical stability and to answer any questions. This can be done in home or virtually. In home support by a Registered Nurse, may be covered by your benefit plan. Please inquire with your insurance provider prior to your appointments.
Duration: 60 or 90 minute in home or virtual meal support options are available.
Where: In Home: Calgary NW, Calgary SW, Cochrane and Canmore, AB
Virtual Meal Support is available across Alberta
Cost: Meal Support costs vary depending on location, needs, and mode of appointment delivery. Please call for more information.
Meal Support EmpowerED Workshop In Person
Description: Mealtimes are often very stressful when supporting a loved one with an eating disorder. Meal support is an essential component of eating disorder care. Recovery from an eating disorder involves nourishing the body with adequate food intake which is very difficult for someone living with an eating disorder. Meal support involves providing emotional support before, during and after meals. Having a support person or people can be very helpful in reducing the anxiety, discomfort and fear that are associated with food.
The Alberta Wellness Centre for Eating Disorders is offering a two-day workshop for caregivers, parents and loved ones who would like to learn more about and develop hands on skills for meal support.
Day One
· Defining meal support – specifics of why it is so important and the parameters of this role.
· Preparing for, and implementing meal support.
· Emotion coaching and meal refusal.
· Practical approaches to meal support – the nuts and bolts.
Day Two
· Support after meals – symptom interruption.
· Physical and emotional changes – what to expect during nutrition rehabilitation.
· Special considerations for meal support – school lunches, sports, special events.
· Working through challenging emotions that may arise during the process of meal support.
· Questions and concerns – where do we go from here? Resources and future support.
When: TBA, Please call or email if you are interested in this group.
Duration: 10 hours, Saturday and Sunday, 9am - 2pm each day
Where: South Location, 2715 Ellwood Dr. SW Edmonton, AB
Cost: $350.00 Eligible to be submitted to benefits under psychology or dietitian services
Size: Maximum 8 families
Who can attend: Open to anyone who supports a friend or family member with an eating
disorder during meals and would like to learn more about how to support and encourage
during meal times.
Meal Support Webinar
Description: This 1.5 hour workshop is focused on skills to assist individuals who currently or will be providing meal support for their loved one. Topics covered include validation, emotions
around meals, providing structure at meal times and benefits of meal support.
On October 8th, special consideration will be given to meal support around holidays and special occasions.
When: To Be Announced. Please call 780-977-7062 if you are interested.
Duration: 2 hours
Where: Virtual via Zoom
Cost: $50 for the first family member, $25 for each additional support person
Size: Maximum 8 families
Who can attend: Open to anyone who supports a friend or family member with an eating
disorder during meals and would like to learn more about how to support and encourage
during meal times.
Additional individualized meal plan support is available. Join the workshop or request
individual meal support through online booking or by calling Alberta Wellness Center for Eating Disorders.