Exploring Mealtime Experiences of Families Living with Dementia
Author Information
Author(s): Alford Heather, Cammer Allison, Ward Heather, Perepelkin Jason
Primary Institution: University of Saskatchewan
Hypothesis
What is needed to support meaningful family relationships and engagement at mealtimes with residents living with dementia in long-term care homes?
Conclusion
Mealtimes are crucial for supporting connections between family caregivers and residents with dementia, helping caregivers accept the illness trajectory.
Supporting Evidence
- Relationship-centered mealtime interventions improve staff-resident relationships.
- Less is known about family-resident relationships at mealtimes for residents living with dementia.
- Three themes characterized family member participants’ experiences of mealtimes.
Takeaway
This study shows that mealtimes can help families connect with their loved ones who have dementia, making it easier for them to cope with the illness.
Methodology
Individual interviews were conducted with family caregivers and analyzed using constant-comparison method.
Participant Demographics
Family caregivers of people living with dementia in long-term care homes in a Western Canadian province.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website