Assessment of a Restorative Feeding Group in an Alzheimer's Unit

Abstract

LEARNING OUTCOME: To identify positive effects of restorative feeding group participation in residents with Alzheimer's disease.A restorative feeding program already existing for a short time on a 70-bed Alzheimer's unit had no documented method of referral or admission criteria. A referral form and problem indicators for admission were developed. The effect of participation on nutritional status and self-serving ability, and staff compliance with discharge guidelines were analyzed. Fourteen residents participated in the restorative feeding group (RFC) during the data collection period. Despite availability of a referral form in the nurses station, referrals to the RFC were most often made by work of mouth [79%]. Referrals had a minimum or higher score on medical, nutritional, and feeding problem indicators for admission to the RFC, The most frequent reasons for referral were: decline in self-serving ability (n=7), frequent meal refusals (n=6), decline in chewing or swallowing ability (n=5), and difficulty focusing eating activity (n=5). Average time spent in the RFG was six weeks. Evaluation of residents after discharge from the RFG showed an increase in weight and food intake at meals. Verbal prompting decreased, but physical prompting did not. There was no significant change in albumin, cholesterol, hematocrit, or hemoglobin. Guidelines written at discharge from RFG were usually followed (70% of the time) in the main dining room. These results show that participation in the RFG improved weight and intake at meals, but self-serving ability was not significantly affected. Documentation of referral to the RFG is lacking and further staff education is needed.