The meaning of mealtimes: connection to the social world of the nursing home.

Bronwynne C. Evans, Neva L. Crogan, Jill Armstrong Shultz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

56 Scopus citations

Abstract

Food that reflects our family backgrounds is a source of comfort that can play an important part in recovery from illness or adaptation to the nursing home, especially for older individuals. However, no studies could be found that explored residents' perspectives on how their food and food service preferences are, or are not, met in nursing homes. This exploratory qualitative study examined dietary preferences acquired during the course of a lifetime, and the meaning of mealtimes to 20 nursing home residents, and attempted to connect that meaning with their social world. Exploring the meaning of food and food service to nursing home residents could furnish insights for improving nutritional status, adaptation to the nursing home, and quality of life through promotion of individualized nutritional care.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)11-17
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of gerontological nursing
Volume31
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2005
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Nursing
  • Gerontology

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