The realization of person-centred mealtime care

Abstract

Title: The realization of person-centred mealtime care Background: When mealtime care is mainly focused on satisfying physical needs such as providing sufficient intake, care fails to support psychosocial needs of residents with dementia. Person-centred care (PCC) is a care model that recognizes psychosocial needs and includes the uniqueness of the person with dementia. By adopting PCC in the context of care during the mealtime-practice it was assumed that resident’s mealtime-experience would be enhanced and therefore well being would increase. Aim: Realization of a PCC context of care during the mealtime-practice. Research Question: What is the process of realizing a PCC context of care during the mealtime-practice on a ward for residents with dementia? Method: An action research based on emancipatory practice development strategies (EPD). Seven residents with dementia were studied. A workgroup of stakeholders was selected to complete EPD steps via meetings. Alongside meetings, participatory observations were completed to get insight in the mealtime-practice and to facilitate meetings. Results: The participants of the workgroup selected four goals and subsequent actions to set a PCC context of care: (1)to start mealtime later, (2)to provide residents with choices, (3)to set a homelike mealtime environment and (3)to set more cooking smells. To achieve the goals, actions were formatted into a plan of action and tested in the mealtime-practice. Actions could be linked to the role of the nurse-assistants, or referring to attributes such as the introduction of serving bowls and music. Main achievements were a peaceful structured mealtime-practice and an increased social environment. Conclusion: The mealtime-practice changed from a task driven activity to a PCC activity, which increased well being of residents. Recommendations: serving bowls, adjustments in the mealtime routines, introduction of music, the role of the nurse and the close involvement of dominant stakeholders.