Mealtimes and being connected in the community-based dementia context

Abstract

Mealtimes provide an opportunity for social activity and emotional connection. This grounded theory study focused on the meaning and experience of mealtimes in families living with dementia in the community; 28 partners in care and 27 persons with dementia were interviewed together and separately. Team analysis resulted in the development of a substantive theory which explains how eating together 'mirrors the way we are' and reveals the essence of what it is to be human while living with dementia. Mealtimes reflect how these families were being connected, honouring identity and adapting to an evolving life. This article focuses on three ways in which Being Connected occurs at mealtimes: being face to face, participating psychologically, and getting and giving support. Understanding the role that mealtimes play in promoting improved connections and thus relationships within the dementia context has important implications for both formal and family care partners. de men tia d e m e n t i a http://dem.sagepub.com vol 9(2) 191-213

A recipe for mealtime resilience for families living with dementia

“…Expanding the social circle is equally important to finding emotional support; Pentz (42) noted that those who have higher levels of social support have more positive attitudes in life. Participants exchange emotional and psychological support at mealtimes (12). From this narrative, it was evident that there was a constant exchange of support including gratitude and appreciation, within and outside of the dyad, and mealtimes specifically provided a time frame to share the support to develop resilience.…”

“…In fact, 'mealtimes mirror the way we are' suggesting that mealtime experiences reflect various aspects of living with dementia, including experiencing satisfaction when meeting the challenges associated with the changes experienced (11,12). Emotions experienced and strategies developed also suggest that meanings are attached to mealtime changes and families adapt to support mealtime values (13).…”

“…Digital recordings were transcribed verbatim. The purpose of the Eating Together study was to develop a substantive theory on the meaning and experience of mealtimes for families living with dementia; further details on methods can be found in prior reports (11)(12)(13). Ethics review and clearance for the Eating Together study (REB #04NV007) and this specific narrative analysis (REB #11AP05) was provided by the University of Guelph.…”

“…Researchers realign memories of past and current experiences, foreshadow the future, and interpret different aspects of the lived experience (25). From the initial 27 families of the Eating Together Study (11)(12)(13), one dyad that participated for 6 years was chosen for this analysis, as they were an example of resilience and adaptation while living with the continual changes seen with dementia. In keeping with the goal and the narrative methodology of this study, this single purposively chosen dyad allowed for in-depth, rich analysis (24).…”

“…Mealtimes have been found to be a significant time for connecting with one another and honouring identities for persons with dementia and their family partners in care (11,12). In fact, 'mealtimes mirror the way we are' suggesting that mealtime experiences reflect various aspects of living with dementia, including experiencing satisfaction when meeting the challenges associated with the changes experienced (11,12).…”