Weight Loss Prevention
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
::
|
|
Individualized Feeding Assistance Care for Nursing Home Residents: Staffing Requirements to Implement Two Interventions
Sandra F. Simmons and John F. Schnelle, 2004, in Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences; 59:M966-973.
This study showed that 90% of residents who are at-risk for weight loss will significantly increase their food and fluid intake in response to one of two non-medical interventions: a mealtime feeding assistance intervention and a between-meal snack intervention. A total of 134 residents in three nursing homes received a two-day trial of one-on-one feeding assistance during six meals. Sixty-eight residents who did not increase their food and fluid intake in response to mealtime feeding assistance received a two-day intervention trial during which snacks were offered between meals three times daily. For both interventions, research staff provided assistance that encouraged residents to eat on their own, casually conversed with residents throughout each meal or snack, and offered a variety of foods and beverages. Almost half (46%) of the residents significantly increased their consumption in response to one-on-one mealtime feeding assistance. An additional 44 percent significantly increased their intake in response to the between-meal snack intervention. Both interventions required significantly more staff time to implement than usual care. The authors offer staffing strategies to maximize staff efficiency and effectiveness.
Back to list | Next study
|
|
|
