Background/Aims Care home mealtimes can be highly anticipated social events that shape residents' sense of belonging, wellbeing and quality of life. Staff are central to this experience. The aim of this study was to explore care home staff perceptions of their mealtime roles and how these influence mealtime experience. Methods A qualitative exploratory study was conducted across three Scottish care homes using semi-structured interviews with nine staff and two residents. Data were analysed thematically. Results Care home staff mealtime roles combined functional and supportive relational elements. Residents' experience was intricately linked to staff involvement in mealtime routines and rituals, and was optimised by person-centred assistance, social interaction, and fostering relationships. Experiences were constrained by mealtime policy and practice, residents' preferences, abilities and cognitive impairment. Conclusions Mealtime experience can be optimised when care home staff intentionally craft them as enjoyable social occasions. This study highlights the centrality of care home staff roles and key factors that influence meaningful mealtime experiences for residents. Implications for practice Care home managers should value and support staff contributions to mealtimes by addressing staffing pressures, improving training, ensuring consistent resident care, and encouraging inclusive dining with family, residents, and staff where appropriate. Training should be holistic to meet the physical and psychosocial needs of individual residents. Creative ways of enhancing mealtimes and the social experience should be investigated with the activities co-ordinator.
Adrian M Ashurst explores the importance of providing suitable foot care for older people in care settings to keep residents' feet in good condition.
Adam Morris discusses what happens if an employee uploads a discriminatory post to social media, where the author can be identified as an employee of a care home.
Adrian M Ashurst discusses the impact felt by older people who are victims to a variety of common scams, providing useful tips on how to spot and prevent them, and what to do if one becomes a victim of a scam.
This article outlines how age-related changes increase the risk of diabetes and adverse effects. It examines how to measure frailty and balance treatment to reduce risks and maximise quality of life.
