The social behaviour of geriatric patients at mealtimes: an observational and an intervention study

Two studies of the social behaviour of geriatric patients are reported. In the first, lunchtime observations were made of two comparable wards in a continuing-care hospital and all episodes of social interaction recorded. There were twice as many interactions on one ward as on the other and their type and variety differed. A second study concentrated on the ward with fewer interactions and attempted to increase the social behaviour of twelve patients by altering the seating arrangements and by providing simple prompts to encourage patients to exercise more control over the way the meal was served. A count was made of all social interactions during lunchtime both before and after change in serving arrangements. There was a significant increase in social behaviour for all patients, even those initially regarded as isolated. Staff-patient interaction also increased.