Sharing Meals With Institutionalized People With Dementia: A Natural Experiment

• Published in: Journal of gerontological social work Vol. 53; no. 5; pp. 436 - 448
• Main Authors: Charras, Kevin, Frémontier, Michèle
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Taylor & Francis Group 01-07-2010; Taylor & Francis LLC
• Subjects: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Alzheimer's disease; best practice; care; Caregivers; Carers; Dementia; Dietary supplements; Elderly; Environmental Factors; Feeding Behavior; France; Gerontology; Humans; Institutionalized people; Malnutrition; Malnutrition - prevention & control; Meals; mealtime; Nursing Homes; Nutrition; Older people; Senility; Special care units; weight; France
• ISSN: 0163-4372; 1540-4048
• DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2010.489936

Nutritional deficiency can have dramatic effects on the physical and psychological status of older adults. Although food supplements can enhance nutritional status, several authors suggest that more ecological means could also have beneficial impacts. Therefore, a natural experiment was conducted to study the impact of changed mealtime experiences for people with Alzheimer-type dementia. Two special care units (in separate facilities) in France were included in this study: one implemented shared mealtimes between residents and caregivers and the other served as a comparison group. Weight was measured and staff observations were collected. Positive outcomes were observed for the experimental group. Implications for practice are discussed.