Porcelain for All - a nursing home study.

PURPOSE: The Porcelain for All project was an initiative by Figgjo AS, a porcelain factory in Norway, which needed more research on different coloured porcelains. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study aimed to gain new knowledge about how different décor and dinner plate colours can positively influence dementia sufferer food intake and appetite. The intervention period lasted three weeks. Four days were randomly picked during that period. Each plate was photographed before and after the resident had eaten, researchers conducted observations during mealtimes. Two CurroCus® group interviews were used to collect additional empirical data. In total, 12 dementia sufferers (five females) between 65 and 85 years were observed during dinnertime.

FINDINGS: Plates with a white well, yellow lip and red rim seemed to be preferred regarding food intake. Three main categories were noted from the observations and group interviews: mealtime dignity, porcelain design and appetite.

RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Future research could incorporate well-being in people with dementia regarding food weight, testing different meal room environments, user involvement, food presentation and should include more nursing homes and residents.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This study only encompasses a small sample (12 residents), all diagnosed with dementia.

SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Outcomes may help to prevent undernutrition among elderly people.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Combined coloured porcelain, food intake and residents with dementia is scarcely investigated.