Temporal relationships of person- and task-centered dementia care and mealtime behaviors: sequential analysis

Abstract Person-centered mealtime care is highly recommended in dementia care. While current research examined associative relationships between person- and task-centered care and resident mealtime behaviors, few studies evaluated their temporal associations. Videotaped mealtime observations (N=160) involving 36 staff and 27 residents (53 staff-resident dyads) in 9 nursing homes were coded. Staff person-centered and task-centered approaches were conceptualized as antecedents of resident positive behaviors, functional impairments, and resistive behaviors using 5-, 10-, and 15-second time windows. Immediately after staff person-centered approaches, resident positive and resistive behaviors were more likely (p range=<.001–.29) and functional impairments less likely (p range=<.001–.62) with diminished effects in time. Immediately after staff task-centered approaches, resident positive behaviors were less likely (p range=<.001–.09). Person-centered mealtime care should be individualized, context-based, and resident-oriented. Resident resistiveness to care may be behavioral responses to person-centered care indicating mismatch to individual preferences and needs, warranting adequate awareness and appropriate assessment.