Lisa A Juckett, Mequeil L Howard, Beth E Fields, Shannon E Jarrott, Lorraine C Mion, Kali S Thomas
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background and objectives: Approximately 60% of people living with dementia at home are unable to routinely participate in mealtime activities (e.g., eating, safe food preparation), warranting assistance to ensure people with dementia meet their health and nutritional needs. The purpose of this study was to characterize these barriers to mealtime participation and identify potential caregiver-led strategies to enhance mealtime activities.
Research design and methods: We used a qualitative descriptive approach and obtained semistructured interview data from (a) allied health professionals and (b) community-based nutrition program providers who frequently serve people with dementia. Interview data were examined by means of directed content analysis and framework methodology until data saturation was reached. Codes from our analysis were categorized according to constructs drawn from the Socio-Ecological Model for Developing and Implementing Comprehensive Dementia Care.
Results: Data were obtained from 20 participants who attributed common mealtime participation barriers to: impairments in functional status, cognitive status deficits, a lack of caregiver knowledge and skills, and unsafe living conditions. Caregiver-led strategies to overcome these barriers included: reducing auditory and visual distractions, providing written cues to perform mealtime activities, eliminating clutter and fall risk hazards, and leveraging community-based nutrition program providers (e.g., home-delivered meal providers).
Discussion and implications: People with dementia face several eating and mealtime participation obstacles. Caregiver-led strategies implemented by family, friends, or community-based nutrition program providers may enhance mealtime activities at home. Findings point to opportunities to develop decision-making tools and resources for caregivers to optimize the health and nutrition of people with dementia.
期刊介绍:
The Gerontologist, published since 1961, is a bimonthly journal of The Gerontological Society of America that provides a multidisciplinary perspective on human aging by publishing research and analysis on applied social issues. It informs the broad community of disciplines and professions involved in understanding the aging process and providing care to older people. Articles should include a conceptual framework and testable hypotheses. Implications for policy or practice should be highlighted. The Gerontologist publishes quantitative and qualitative research and encourages manuscript submissions of various types including: research articles, intervention research, review articles, measurement articles, forums, and brief reports. Book and media reviews, International Spotlights, and award-winning lectures are commissioned by the editors.