Effect of family style mealtimes on quality of life, physical performance, and body weight of nursing home residents: cluster randomised controlled trial
Kristel A N D Nijs, Cees de Graaf, Frans J Kok, Wija A van Staveren, Kristel A N D Nijs, Cees de Graaf, Frans J Kok, Wija A van Staveren
Abstract
Objective: To assess the effect of family style mealtimes on quality of life, physical performance, and body weight of nursing home residents without dementia.
Design: Cluster randomised trial.
Setting: Five Dutch nursing homes.
Participants: 178 residents (mean age 77 years). Two wards in each home were randomised to intervention (95 participants) or control groups (83).
Intervention: During six months the intervention group took their meals family style and the control group received the usual individual pre-plated service.
Main outcome measures: Quality of life (perceived safety; autonomy; and sensory, physical, and psychosocial functioning), gross and fine motor function, and body weight.
Results: The difference in change between the groups was significant for overall quality of life (6.1 units, 95% confidence interval 2.1 to 10.3), fine motor function (1.8 units, 0.6 to 3.0), and body weight (1.5 kg, 0.6 to 2.4).
Conclusion: Family style mealtimes maintain quality of life, physical performance, and body weight of nursing home residents without dementia.
Trial registration: Clinical trials NCT00114582.
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Source: PubMed