Mealtime caregiving approaches and behavioral symptoms in persons living with dementia: a longitudinal, observational study

Abstract Background Behavioral symptoms during mealtime can prohibit persons living with dementia from obtaining sufficient nutrition. However, little research has examined the relationship between behavioral and caregiving approaches. This study examines this further explores which specific caregiver behaviors were related to among dementia. Methods A secondary data analysis was performed using 86 videos a longitudinal, observational study. The repeatedly taken at months 0, 3, 6 30 in one of four long-term care facilities. Video coding schemes modified Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory for Person-/Task-Centered Behavior Coding consisted categories: total duration, aggressive behavior, physically nonaggressive verbally agitated behavior. Caregiving approaches ten-verbal/seven-nonverbal person-centered behavior codes, four-verbal/four-nonverbal task-centered no-verbal/no-nonverbal interaction codes. mixed-effect model conducted variables such as demographics, medical information, cognitive status, depression, function, fixed effects, participant random effect, categories dependent variables. Results duration associated no verbal response ( ? = 9.09) 8.43), specifically controlling 7.87). Physically 9.36). Verbally nonverbal 51.29), inappropriate touch 59.05). Conclusions Mealtime is indispensable ensuring adequate nutrition promoting personhood. Our findings revealed caregivers’ When caregivers encounter mealtime, it recommended avoid behaviors, especially touch, promote behaviors.