The effect of role-taking ability on caregiver-resident mealtime interaction

In this qualitative study of mealtime in a nursing home, data were collecte d on the verbal and nonverbal interaction between certified nursing assista nts (CNAs) and completely eating-dependent residents. Although some caregiv ers were seen to give care in a creative, empathetic manner, others were ta sk-driven and mechanistic. The difference in caregiving was, in part, accou nted for by the degree to which individual caregivers were able to engage i n role taking, that is, the ability to see the world from the resident's pe rspective. Recommendations for enhancing role-taking ability include (a) as king caregivers to reflect on their own mealtime experiences, (b) encouragi ng staff to eat with residents, (c) having staff practice feeding one anoth er and (d) providing role modeling and supervision by professional nursing staff at mealtime. Copyright (C) 1999 by W.B. Saunders Company.