Sharing meals with institutionalized people with dementia: A natural experiment

Authors

Charras, Kevin, Frémontier, Michèle

Journal

Journal of Gerontological Social Work, Volume: 53, No.: 5, Pages.: 436-448

Year of Publication

2010

Abstract

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. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved). (journal abstract)

Bibtex Citation

@article{Charras_2010, doi = {10.1080/01634372.2010.489936}, url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01634372.2010.489936}, year = 2010, month = {jul}, publisher = {Informa {UK} Limited}, volume = {53}, number = {5}, pages = {436--448}, author = {Kevin Charras and Mich{`{e}}le Fr{'{e}}montier}, title = {Sharing Meals With Institutionalized People With Dementia: A Natural Experiment}, journal = {Journal of Gerontological Social Work} }

Keywords

and, between, carers, dementia, institutionalization, meals, mealtimes, nutritional deficiencies, residents, sharing, weight

Countries of Study

France

Types of Dementia

Alzheimer’s Disease

Types of Study

Case Control Study

Type of Outcomes

Other

Settings

Nursing Homes

Type of Interventions

Non-pharmacological Treatment

Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions