title: Factors affecting optimal nutrition and hydration for people living in specialised dementia care units: A qualitative study of staff caregivers' perceptions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the perceptions of staff caregivers regarding factors affecting optimal nutrition and hydration for individuals living in Specialised Dementia Care Units in New Zealand.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative descriptive study using a semi-structured interview approach with 11 staff caregivers at two Specialised Dementia Care Units. Data were analysed using a general inductive approach.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two main themes were identified. The first theme 'It's about the individual' encompassed individual factors such as appetite, food appeal, and cognitive and functional abilities. The second theme 'It's about the environment' encompassed factors relating to the dining environment, the social aspects to dining and the provision of support with mealtime activities.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Factors affecting nutrition and hydration in people living with dementia are complex and inter-related. Organisations providing specialised dementia care, their staff and foodservice providers should focus on both the individual and environment to ensure optimal nutrition and hydration for the people in their care.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Food, Nutrition & Human Health, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Debra
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nell
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Neville
authors.affiliation: Senior Living and Private Hospitals, Compass Group NZ Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Roana
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bellew
authors.affiliation: Senior Living and Private Hospitals, Compass Group NZ Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: O'Leary
authors.affiliation: Institute of Food, Nutrition & Human Health, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Kathryn Louise
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Beck
mesh_terms: D001066:Appetite; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003071:Cognition; D003704:Dementia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D004326:Drinking; D004435:Eating; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D062407:Meals; D009520:New Zealand; D009735:Nursing Homes; D009752:Nutritional Status; D010465:Perception; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012919:Social Behavior; D012944:Social Support; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance
keywords: dementia; foodservice; hydration; nutrition; residential care