title: The role of physical environment in supporting person-centered dining in long-term care: a review of the literature.
abstract: The physical environment of dining rooms in long-term care facilities is increasingly recognized as an important catalyst in implementing a culture based on person-centered care philosophy. Mealtimes are important opportunities to support residents' personhood in care facilities. This article presents a critical review of the literature on evidence-based physical environmental interventions and examines their implications for creating a more person-centered dining environment, specifically for residents with dementia. The review identifies the role of a supportive dining environment to foster: a) functional ability, b) orientation, c) safety and security, d) familiarity and home-likeness, e) optimal sensory stimulation, f) social interaction, and g) privacy and personal control. It is clear from this review that there is a growing body of research to support the importance of certain physical environmental features in the dining context that can foster positive resident outcomes. The evidence indicates that well-designed physical settings play an important role in creating a person-centered dining environment to support best possible mealtime experience of residents. Gaps in the literature and directions for future research are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. chaudhury@sfu.ca
authors.forename: Habib
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Chaudhury
authors.forename: Lillian
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hung
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Badger
mesh_terms: D003704:Dementia / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care / Q000523:psychology; D009735:Nursing Homes; D010348:Patient Care Team; D018802:Patient-Centered Care
keywords: dining; mealtimes; person-centered care; physical environment