Overview

Food is available in easy-to-grip bites that allow residents in care settings to use their fingers for food. This new way of eating can help limit weight loss, increase food intake, gain independence and improve the enjoyment of eating for residents.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or female residents over 75 years old living in a Accommodation facility for dependent elderly people for at least 3 months
• Presenting at least one of the following 3 criteria:
  • Unintentional weight loss ≥ 5% in 1 month
  • Involuntary weight loss ≥ 10% in 6 months or compared to the usual weight or compared to the weight at entry to the EHPAD
  • Confirmed sarcopenia:
    • Male (at least one of the 2 criteria):
      • Dynamometer (kg): < 27 AND calf circumference (cm): < 31
      • Impedancemetry: appendicular muscle mass index < 20 kg OR appendicular muscle mass index < 7 kg/m²
    • Woman (at least one of the 2 criteria):
      • Dynamometer (kg): < 16 AND calf circumference (cm): < 31
      • Impedancemetry: appendicular muscle mass index < 15 kg OR appendicular muscle mass index < 5.5 kg/m²
• Loss of autonomy according to the Tully scale < 12/18 with a score of 2 or 3 on the

  item "Able to bite, chew, swallow without making false routes"

• Person having given free, informed and express consent
• Person having an affiliation to a social security scheme

Exclusion Criteria:

• Protected person: safeguard of justice
• Swallowing disorder having a contra-indication to the texture of hand-eating meals.
• Lack of motor skills in both hands
• Specific diet: pleasure diet, salt-free, sugar-free, fiber-free, artificial nutrition
• Wearer of a pacemaker