Assessment of food service delivery to elderly residents in long term care facilities

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess food service delivery provided to elderly long term care (LTC) residents. The sample was drawn from the 18 LTC facilities located in Saskatoon District Health, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The study was conducted in four phases: 1) Menu Analysis; 2) Resident Food Service Satisfaction; 3) Food Service Practices; and 4) Dietary Intakes of the Elderly. The study methodology included a 7-day nutrient analysis of cycle menus of 11 LTC facilities, a food service satisfaction survey (n=205 elderly residents), a LTC survey examining menu planning practices (n=11 LTC facilities), and a 3-day dietary intake analysis (n=48 elderly residents) using weighed and observation dietary assessment methods. LTC facility menus did not meet the recommended levels (