Multi-Level Factors Associated with Relationship-Centred and Task-Focused Mealtime Practices in Long-Term Care: A Secondary Data Analysis of the Making the Most of Mealtimes Study.

Mealtimes in long-term care (LTC) can reinforce relationships between staff and residents through relationship-centred care (RCC) practices; however, meals are often task-focused (TF). This cross-sectional study explores multi-level contextual factors that contribute to RCC and TF mealtime practices. Secondary data from residents in 32 Canadian LTC homes were analyzed ( = 634; mean age 86.

The association of eating challenges with energy intake is moderated by the mealtime environment in residential care homes.

Objectives: Given the increased risk of malnutrition in residential care homes, we studied how specific aspects of the mealtime environment are associated with residents' eating challenges and energy intake in general and dementia care units of these homes.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Participants: 624 residents and 82 dining rooms.