Ten student dietitian researchers collected data and conducted
observations for the present study. Despite coaching
by academic supervisors and a detailed questionnaire, interpersonal
variation among the researchers in this small study
is a limitation. Because of the convenience sample, results
cannot be extrapolated to the wider NZ rest home population.
Responder bias is a further limitation, given that the
questionnaire was provided in advance of the students’ visits
to participating rest homes, the dates for which were established
by appointment.
The present study, conducted in 50 New Zealand rest
homes, has provided information about the eating environment
and associated factors that may impact on the ability of
residents to achieve optimum nutrition. Findings were that
while most menus were cycles of four or more weeks, choice
was limited to providing for dislikes and some special needs.
No rest home met all menu audit standards for selected
menu components; those least likely to be met were milk
and milk products, legumes, meat and poultry, and fish.
Incidental changes to menus were not infrequent. Regular
menu auditing by a New Zealand registered dietitian is recommended.