Family member eating assistance and food intake in long-term care: A secondary data analysis of the M3 Study

Aim To determine if protein and energy intake is significantly associated with a family member providing eating assistance to residents in long-term care homes as compared with staff providing this assistance, when adjusting for other covariates. Background Who provides eating support has the potential to improve resident food intake. Little is known about family eating assistance and if this is associated with resident food intake in long-term care. Design Cross-sectional, secondary data analysis. Methods Between October and January 2016, multilevel data were collected from 32 long-term care homes across four Canadian provinces. Data included 3-day weighed/observed food intake, mealtime observations, physical dining room assessments, health record review, and staff report of care needs. Residents where family provided eating assistance were compared with residents who received staff-only assistance. Regression analysis determined the association of energy and protein intake with family eating assistance versus staff assistance while adjusting for covariates. Results Of those residents who required any physical eating assistance (N = 147), 38% (N = 56) had family assistance during at least one of nine meals observed. Residents who received family assistance (N = 56) and those who did not (N = 91) were statistically different in several of their physiological eating abilities. When adjusting for covariates, family assistance was associated with significantly higher consumption of protein and energy intake. Conclusion Energy and protein intake is significantly higher when family provides eating assistance. Family are encouraged to provide this direct care if it is required. Impact Residents who struggle with independent eating can benefit from dedicated support during mealtimes. Findings from this study provide empirical evidence that family eating assistance is associated with improved resident food intake and provides strong justification to encourage families to be active partners in the care and well-being of their relatives. Home administrators and nursing staff should support the specialized care that families can provide at mealtimes.