Factors Influencing the Proportion of Food Consumed by Nursing Home Residents with Dementia

BACKGROUND: Assessment of and interventions for promoting eating in persons with late-stage dementia have primarily focused on facilitation of safe feeding and methods to promote ingestion of nutrients via several routes. Using Social Exchange Theory, this study examined how the quality of the interaction between care giver and care receiver influenced the proportion of food consumed by persons with late-stage dementia. METHODS: Fifty-three dyads composed of nursing home residents with late-stage dementia and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) were observed during the breakfast meal. The proportion of food consumed by the residents was measured by weight. The study included measures of the quality of interaction between the resident and the CNA (Interaction Behavior Measure-Modified (IBM-M) and the IBM), CNA empathy (Interpersonal Reactivity Index), and CNA power (Control subscale of the FIRO-B). RESULTS: Specific resident behaviors and the CNA's ability to allow another person to control a relationship were most predictive of the variance in the proportion of food consumed (R2 =. 41; F3,49 = 12.54; P