It could probably help someone else but not me : a feasibility study of a snack programme offered to meals on wheels clients

Objectives Community-based services, such as Meals on Wheels (MOW), allow older adults to remain in their homes for as long as possible. Many MOW recipients experience decreased appetite that limits intake at mealtimes. This pilot study aimed to determine the feasibility of providing high protein high energy snacks to improve nutrient intakes of MOW clients in a regional centre of New South Wales, Australia. Participants A convenience sample of 12 MOW clients. Intervention Participants received snacks five times a week, in addition to their usual MOW order, for four weeks. Measurements Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment tool. Pre-post changes in dietary intake were assessed using a diet history and food frequency questionnaire. Qualitative interviews conducted in clients’ homes were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and themes identified. Results Post-intervention, there was a trend for an increased energy (mean = +415kJ (SD=1477)/day) and protein (+7.2 (±14.06) g/day) intake. MNA scores significantly increased (P= 0.036) and proportion of respondents categorised as ‘malnourished’ or ‘at risk of malnutrition’ decreased from 17% to 8%, and 67% to 25%, respectively (P Conclusion Provision of an additional daily mid-meal snack may be a useful addition to existing MOW services, for improved energy and protein intakes. However, not all MOW clients at risk of malnutrition perceived the snacks to be beneficial to them