How can we improve mealtimes for people with dementia living in care homes?

Lead Investigator: Mrs Rosey Meiring

Institution: Hywel Dda University Health Board  

Grant type: Alzheimer’s Society Clinician and Healthcare Professional Training Fellowship

Start date: April 2024

Duration: 36 months

Amount: £257,085.68

Project summary:

Mealtime challenges can be experienced at every stage of the dementia journey, but often become more common when people move to care homes and need more assistance.

Rosey Meiring is looking at everyday mealtime communication between care staff and residents living with dementia in care homes. The aim is to find out what type of staff communication helps to avoid or resolve distress and problems around eating and drinking, as well as what is not helpful. The result will be a set of recommendations for communication at mealtimes which care staff can use.  

Project background:

Difficulties around mealtimes occur commonly in people living with dementia and can become more challenging over time. These difficulties can include needing help to prepare food and to eat and drink, changes in appetite, difficulties recognising objects such as utensils and food, and problems with chewing or swallowing food. 

The move into a care home can add other difficulties. Care home dining rooms can be noisy and unfamiliar, and the result can be that people living with dementia are not eating or drinking enough or can find mealtimes distressing. This could lead to new health issues or a worsening of their condition. 

What does this project involve?

Rosey Meiring’s research aims to gather video footage of real-life conversations during mealtimes between carers and people with dementia living in care homes. The results from this research will be closely examined to find out which carer behaviours and communication are associated with positive mealtime experiences for people living with dementia. The conclusions of the study will be used to create a set of recommendations for care home staff training. 

How will this project help people with dementia?

Eating, drinking, and mealtimes can be difficult for people with dementia living in care homes, their families, and their carers. Understanding carer communication styles will allow Rose Meiring to identify ways in which carers can help mealtimes more enjoyable, understandable and productive.

The results of this research will allow for new and informed care home staff training packages to be developed, helping people living with dementia with everyday mealtimes, reducing stress and leading to better nutrition.