"The meal is an activity involving at least two people"-Experiences of meals by older persons in need of elderly care.
Sigrid Odencrants, Karin Blomberg, Anne-Marie Wallin
PMID 31871710WHAT IT FOUND
Older persons described a meal as requiring at least two people and a calm atmosphere, not just food.
In care settings, staff controlling seating, portion sizes, and cleanup times reduced enjoyment and autonomy.
Key findings
01Participants defined a meal as an activity requiring at least two people, with togetherness and a relaxed environment being more important than the food itself.
02Staff practices such as determining seating, serving large unwanted portions, and clearing dishes before residents finished eating were experienced as disrespectful and limiting autonomy.
03Food that did not match traditional expectations or habits, such as unrecognizable potatoes or out-of-season dishes, decreased the meal's value and pleasure.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
Convenience sampling may limit representativeness. Small sample size (n=18). Participants who were too fragile or ill to participate may have had different needs or perspectives.
Declared interests
None declared.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret these findings as evidence that specific interventions improve nutritional outcomes. The study describes older persons' experiences and preferences, not the efficacy of any treatment or care model.