An exploration of the factors that affect the extensive meal experience for cognitively active elderly living in residential care

Conference: Bournemouth University Postgraduate conference

Dates: 9-10 March 2016

Abstract:

The elderly population living in residential care are vulnerable to under nutrition and dehydration. Many factors impact on food and fluid intake within this environment and their interaction is complex. This study aims to gain a deeper appreciation of the extensive meal experience to understand the barriers and enablers for good nutritional care for cognitively active elderly in residential care The aim was addressed using a convergent parallel mixed method design. Semi structured interviews, observations and a quantitative questionnaire were chosen to capture the range of experiences and understandings of the meal time experience from both the resident and care staff perspective. This presentation will focus on the qualitative data which has identified the core emerging themes including psychosocial factors: psychological offering of food choice, relationships, social organisation and the technical approaches including food and drink service, hydration, nutritional value and engagement of other health professionals.

Source: Manual