The purpose of this study was with a multifaceted intervention model improve the nutritional status of elderly people living in residential homes to increase their energy intake and to maintain improvements over time. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanThree different municipal residential homes in the south-east of Sweden. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanThe study population consisted of 67 elderly people. A within-subjects design was used which means that the participants were their own controls. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanA multifaceted intervention model was chosen, which included education on both theoretical and practical issues, training and support for staff, and individualized snacks to the residents. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanNutritional status was measured by Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), the consumption of food was recorded by the staff using a food record method for 3 consecutive days. The length of night-time fasting has been calculated from the food records. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanNutritional status improved after 3 months of intervention and was maintained after 9 months. Weight increased during the whole study period. Night-time fasting decreased but not to the recommended level. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanThis study shows that it is possible by a multifaceted intervention model to increase energy intake including expanding snacks and thereby improve and maintain nutritional status over a longer period in the elderly living in residential homes. This result was possible to achieve because staff received education and training in nutritional issues and by provision of support during a period when new routines were introduced.
Funding Agencies|Aldrecentrum, County Council of Ostergotland, Sweden||