Background: The numbers of dementia patients are increasing all over the worlds and those are the majority in long-term care facilities. People with dementia have a high probably having eating problems and require extension assistance during mealtime. There is little known regarding mealtime situation in Taiwan nursing home. The participated observational study is a possible way to explore the dinning phenomena. Objective: The major purpose of this study was to explore eating problems among dementia elderly using an observational study. Methods: An exploratory and descriptive study design was used to investigate the social, cultural, clinical, and environment factors that were related to eating behaviors in the congregate dining room of one dementia-specialized Taiwan nursing home. Results: Eating problems among dementia patients were diversified as well as assistance. There were similar dining situation between western society and Taiwan; the eating problems became a universal concern. Several barriers for nutritional care for dementia patients were identified such as insufficient staffing and time. Environment also plays an important role in success eating. Nursing assistants lack of enough knowledge and skills to assist dementia patients with eating and hold negative attitude toward feeding dementia patients. Conclusion: Adding number of qualifies and well-trained nursing assistants are needed in order to promote better quality of mealtime care. A comprehensive feeding skills training program for nursing assistants is needed in the future.
Session #1219 - Poster Session I
The 29th Annual MNRS Research Conference (April 1-4, 2005)