“It could probably help someone else but not me”: A feasibility study of a snack programme offered to meals on wheels clients

Charlton, Karen E; Walton, Karen; Moon, Leah; Smith, K.; McMahon, Anne; Ralph, Faye; Stuckey, Melinda; Manning, Fiona; Krassie, J.

doi:10.1007/s12603-012-0407-3

Cited by 13 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 22 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…In the present study, many participants ate less than they used to, concurring with previous research ( 27,46–49 ) . Some participants appeared to have an almost obsessive adherence to eating behaviours that they felt would keep them healthy and independent; for example, emphasising the amount of fruit, skimmed milk and breakfast cereals they ate, or how little they ate.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 92%

Beliefs about inevitable decline among home‐living older adults at risk of malnutrition: a qualitative study

Payne

Harris

Ghio

et al. 2020

J Human Nutrition Diet

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background Approximately 14% of free‐living adults aged ≥65 years are at risk of malnutrition. Malnutrition screen and treat interventions in primary care are few, show mixed results, and the advice given is not always accepted and followed. We need to better understand the experiences and contexts of older adults when aiming to develop interventions that are engaging, optimally persuasive and relevant. Methods Using the Person‐based Approach, we carried out 23 semi‐structured interviews with purposively selected adults ≥65 years with chronic health or social conditions associated with malnutrition risk. Thematic analysis informed the development of key principles to guide planned intervention development. Results We found that individuals’ beliefs about an inevitable decline in appetite and eating in older age compound the many and varied physical and physiological barriers that they experience. Also, we found that expectations of decline in appetite and physical ability may encourage resignation, reduce self‐efficacy to overcome barriers, and reduce motivation to address weight loss and/or recognise it as an issue that needs to be addressed. Fear of loss of independence may also reduce the likelihood of asking general practitioners for advice. Conclusions The key findings identified include a sense of resignation, multiple different barriers to eating and a need for independence, each underpinned by the expectation of a decline in older adulthood. Interventions need to address misperceptions about the inevitability of decline, highlight how and why diet recommendations are somewhat different from recommendations for the general population, and suggest easy ways to increase food intake that address common barriers.

show abstract

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 92%

Beliefs about inevitable decline among home‐living older adults at risk of malnutrition: a qualitative study

Payne

Harris

Ghio

et al. 2020

J Human Nutrition Diet

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…However, further research is required to investigate additional fortified options and uptake over a longer time frame. Provision of an additional daily mid‐meal snack may be another useful addition to existing MOW services; however, a pilot study identified that not all MOW consumers at risk of malnutrition perceive that snacks are beneficial for them …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Meals on Wheels: Who's referring and what's on the menu?

Charlton

Tjong

North³

et al. 2019

Australas J Ageing

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Objective To describe referral source, meal ordering patterns and the nutrient composition of meals from a regional Meals on Wheels (MOW) service. Methods Referral sources were obtained via retrospective chart audit and compared for 2008 and 2012. Nutrient content of the three most common meal combinations was compared against MOW recommendations of one‐third daily energy and one‐half daily protein requirements. Results There was a decline in overall uptake and referrals from hospitals. The “main meal” alone was the most popular meal choice, but did not meet energy requirements for men or women, nor protein requirements for men. The combination of a soup, main and dessert met the MOW recommendations for women only. Conclusions Investigation into how older people access MOW services is required. Innovative strategies are required to increase the nutrient content of meals, within the context of meal ordering preferences of consumers.

show abstract

“…MOW services have been shown to be effective in improving older adults’ nutritional status, and offering a good alternative for older adults who have limited ability to cook and prepare meals . Charlton et al . reported increased energy and protein intakes as well as an improved MNA score with MOW clients after four weeks of receiving nutrient‐dense snacks provided through the existing service.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Feasibility of home‐based dietetic intervention to improve the nutritional status of older adults post‐hospital discharge

Hamirudin

Walton

Charlton

et al. 2016

Nutrition & Dietetics

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Aim To determine if a model of home-based dietetic care improves dietary intake and weight status in a specific group of older adults post-hospitalisation. MethodsThe Department of Veterans' Affairs clients aged 65 years and over were recruited from hospitals in a regional area of New South Wales, Australia (n = 32 men, n = 36 women). Nutritional status was assessed at home at baseline (within two weeks post-discharge) and three months post-discharge using a diet history, a food frequency checklist and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Personalised dietary advice was provided by a single dietitian according to participants' nutritional status.Results Mean body weight improved significantly (P = 0.048), as well as mean MNA score (21.9 ± 3.5 vs 25.2 ± 3.1) (P < 0.001). Mean energy, protein and micronutrient intakes were adequate at baseline and three months, except for vitamin D. At three months, the underweight group (body mass index (BMI) < 23 kg/m 2 ) had significantly higher mean protein intake per body weight (1.7 ± 0.4 g/kg) compared to those who were a desirable weight (BMI 23-27 kg/m 2 ) (1.4 ± 0.3 g/kg) or overweight (BMI>27 kg/m 2 ) (1.1 ± 0.3 g/kg) peers (P < 0.001). There was significant improvement in energy intake contributed from oral nutrition supplements (+95.5 ± 388.2 kJ/day) and milk (+259.6 ± 659.8 kJ/day).Conclusions Dietetic intervention improved nutritional status 3 months after hospital discharge in older adults living in the community. Methods: Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) patients aged 65 years and over were recruited from hospitals in a regional area of New South Wales, Australia (n=32 men, n=36 women). Nutritional status was assessed at home at baseline (within 2 weeks post discharge) and 3 months post discharge using a diet history, food frequency checklist There was a significant improvement in energy intake contributed from oral nutrition supplements (+95.5±388.2kJ/day) and milk (+259.6±659.8 kJ/day). Conclusions:Dietetic intervention improved nutritional status 3 months after hospital discharge in older adults living in the community.

show abstract

“It could probably help someone else but not me”: A feasibility study of a snack programme offered to meals on wheels clients

Cited by 13 publications

References 22 publications

Beliefs about inevitable decline among home‐living older adults at risk of malnutrition: a qualitative study

Beliefs about inevitable decline among home‐living older adults at risk of malnutrition: a qualitative study

Meals on Wheels: Who's referring and what's on the menu?

Feasibility of home‐based dietetic intervention to improve the nutritional status of older adults post‐hospital discharge

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About