Addressing the nutritional needs of older people in residential care homes.

In the UK and Europe, malnutrition in older people is a significant and continuing problem. Malnutrition predisposes to disease, impedes recovery from illness, increases mortality and is costly to society. Despite the high number of older people potentially at risk, malnutrition in care homes has been under explored.

Sociocultural context of nutrition in care homes.

Aim: To investigate factors that influenced nutritional care provided in two different types of residential care settings.

Methods: The study used qualitative methods, including focus group interviews with relevant staff members, individual interviews with managers and residents of the care homes and their informal carers, observation of food preparation and mealtimes throughout the day and analysis of appropriate documents.

Findings: Data were analysed thematically, and this article describes one of the four main themes that emerged: the relationship between social context and residents' eating and drinking experiences.