Mealtime in long-term care (LTC) is about much more than food, it provides social interaction, can affect mental well-being and promotes health beyond the food on the plate. COVID-19 has presented many challenges around mealtimes in LTC. Heather Keller, Schlegel Research Chair in Nutrition and Aging at the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging, has several tips to create a positive mealtime experience even with social distancing restrictions.

For more information on Professor Keller’s research in mealtime practices, see academic publications below.

Meal Rounds: An Essential Aspect of Quality Nutrition Services in Long-term Care
Mealtime Experiences of Families With Dementia
Transitions to Long-Term Care: How Do Families Living With Dementia Experience Mealtimes After Relocating?
Mealtimes and being connected in the community-based dementia context
Dining Culture Change in Long-Term Care Homes: Transitioning to Resident-Centred and Relational Meals
Resident interactions at mealtime: an exploratory study

Date created: 2020