Improving Mealtime Independence for People With Dementia Living in Nursing Homes: A Pilot Study

Aim: This paper explores the impact of a Spaced Retrieval and Montessori-based activity (SPREMON) intervention on mealtime independence, mealtime engagement and affect (mood), and the nutritional status of people with dementia living in nursing homes. Methods: Quasi-experimental pilot study design. The SPREMON intervention consisted of 20 sessions delivered over 7 weeks. Data were collected at baseline, postintervention, and at 3-month follow-up, using the Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia Scale, the Engagement of a Person with Dementia Scale, and the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: Of the 20 consumer participants enrolled, 8 (40%) completed the intervention. The completed groups had significantly lower eating difficulty, significantly higher engagement and affect scores, and fewer comorbidities and polypharmacy than the dropouts at baseline. Engagement and affect and drink consumption changed significantly from pre- to postintervention. While positive trends were observed in eating difficulties and nutritional status scores within the completed group, these changes did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: Delivering the SPREMON intervention via this pilot study demonstrates its feasibility and potential benefits, given the positive trends in eating independence, engagement, affect, and nutrition. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings, assess who benefits most, and explore scalability. Implications: Combining SPREMON may improve eating independence, engagement and affect, and nutrition outcomes in people with dementia. Impact: SPREMON shows promise as a person-centered approach to enhance mealtime outcomes in dementia care, informing practice for health professionals, researchers, and care managers. Patient or Public Contribution: This intervention was co-designed with aged care professionals and consumer participants. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry: 12623001031651.