Changes in type of foodservice and dining room environment preferentially benefit institutionalized seniors with low body mass indexes.

Objective: To compare energy intakes in seniors with cognitive impairment residing in long-term care and receiving meals by bulk (cafeteria style with waitress service) vs traditional tray delivery systems and determine subject characteristics that identify responsiveness to type of foodservice provided. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS/SETTING: Usual energy intakes were compared in subjects residing in cognitive impairment units in either the old (tray delivery, n=23) or new (bulk delivery, n=26) nursing home at Baycrest, a teaching facility associated with University of Toronto Medical School.

Intervention: Changes to foodservice and physical environment (from institutional to more home-like environment).