Exploring residents\u2019 experiences of mealtimes in care homes: A qualitative interview study

Ross Watkins,Victoria A Goodwin,Rebecca A Abbott,Abi Hall,Mark Tarrant

doi:10.1186/s12877-017-0540-2

Ross Watkins, Victoria A Goodwin + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-017-0540-2

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Abstract

BackgroundMany interventions aim to alleviate well-documented problems of malnutrition in residential care homes and improve residents’ health and wellbeing. Despite some positive findings, little is known about how and why mealtime interventions might be effective, and in particular, what effects residents’ experiences of mealtimes have on health outcomes. The aim of this study was to gain an insight into these experiences and explore some of the issues that may impact on residents’ enjoyment of meals, and resulting health and wellbeing.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with eleven residents from four care homes in the South West UK. Thematic analysis was used to derive content and meaning from transcribed interviews. Interviews were supplemented by researcher observations of mealtimes.ResultsThe dining experience was a focal point for participants’ broader experiences of residing in a care home. Three themes pertaining to residents’ experiences were identified: (1) Emotional and psychological connections with other residents; (2) managing competing interests with limited resources; and (3) familiarity and routine.ConclusionMealtimes are a mainstay of life in a care home through which residents’ experiences are characterised, exemplified and magnified. Understanding how residents interact with one another, accommodating their preferences and encouraging autonomy may enhance their mealtime experiences. It may also help to ease the transition from independent-living to life in care, which can be particularly stressful for some residents, and improve health and wellbeing over the long-term.

Highlights

Many interventions aim to alleviate well-documented problems of malnutrition in residential care homes and improve residents’ health and wellbeing
The current study investigated care home residents’ experiences of their care, with a particular focus on their experiences of mealtimes
Sampling of care homes In England, care homes for adults are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which carries out regular inspections to ensure that care is safe, effective and compassionate, and that improvements are made where necessary [3]

Summary

Introduction

Many interventions aim to alleviate well-documented problems of malnutrition in residential care homes and improve residents’ health and wellbeing. More than 400,000 older adults in the UK live in care [1], an estimated 60% of whom are aged 85 or over [2] Residential provision for these adults is generally referred to as a care home, defined as a setting in which residents usually have a single room and access to onsite care services, and including those care homes with nursing services [3]. Regardless of their specific classification, there is considerable overlap in the health status and clinical needs of this population across settings. Depression and apathy have been independently associated with weight loss in care home residents [9]

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