Promoting mealtime independence

Improvement of feeding independence in end-stage cancer patients under palliative care—a prospective, uncontrolled study

“…More than 87% of the residents in aged homes encounter mealtime difficulties [11], and nearly 50% of nursing home residents are dependent on feeding assistance [5]. Once a patient in palliative care becomes dependent on feeding by caregivers, the patient will soon be totally dependent on others' care.…”

“…On the other hand, improper positioning, one-handedness, hand tremor, ataxia and impaired hand-grip strength may also aggravate their feeding difficulties. Despite the fact that a patient experiences a certain level of feeding difficulty, it does not imply that the patient may necessarily end up with total feeding dependence [5]. The ability to self-feed among the disabled promotes a sense of independence and self-confidence [6].…”

Assisting demented patients with feeding: problems in a ward environment. A review of the literature

“…1991) in order to save time (Norberg et al . 1988, Osborn & Marshall 1992). This is clearly detrimental to the care of the patient, as caregivers' tenseness and hurry are communicated to them (Hall 1991).…”

“…Eight of the 10 references cited include at least one of the authors of the current study, so the references are somewhat narrow and there is no actual review of literature. Nevertheless, Mairis (1992), Osborn & Marshall (1992), Sanders (1990) and Prentice et al . (1989) have also noted their view that many of the caregivers were insufficiently trained.…”

“…To operate effectively, the primary nurse needs to allocate identified members of staff to ensure that the care is carried out consistently. This depends on effective communication, as an individualized plan of care does no good unless it is communicated to the mealtime caregivers (Osborn & Marshall 1992). Sidenval & Ek (1993) have identified defective documentation in nurses' records, which they feel may be due to nurses reporting to each other verbally only.…”