Eating Together but Often Feeling Lonely: Residents' Mealtime Experiences in a Nursing Home.

Aim: To explore residents' experiences of the mealtime environment in nursing home.

Design: An exploratory qualitative design was employed to gain in-depth insights.

Methods: Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with residents at a nursing home. Data were analysed using thematic analysis as outlined by Braun and Clarke. The consolidated criteria for Reporting Qualitative research checklist were used to support the research process.

Results: Four main themes emerged from the analysis: (1) The significance of food, emphasising the centrality of food quality and variety in residents' mealtime experiences. (2) Security through routines, illustrating how established mealtime routines provide comfort and predictability. (3) Variability in staff influence, reflecting residents' perceptions of staff competence and their impact on the dining experience. (4) Limited social interactions, highlighting the varied social dynamics and their effects on residents' sense of community and isolation.

Conclusion: The study underscores the critical importance of food quality, staff compliance and consistent routines in enhancing mealtime experiences in nursing homes. Additionally, it reveals that the ability to choose social interactions plays a significant role in residents' satisfaction and social well-being.

Implication for patient care: This study provides valuable insights for improving mealtime experiences in nursing homes, suggesting that person-centred care and resident involvement in meal planning can enhance satisfaction and nutritional intake.

Impact: The findings offer practical guidance for healthcare management, emphasising the need to prioritise and personalise mealtime environments to better meet residents' needs and preferences.