Evaluation of Private and Public Nursing Homes’ Menus Quality and Adequacy

Abstract

Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the menus served in public and private nursing homes in terms of menu quality items and nutritional adequacy.

Material and Methods: In this study, 6 nursing homes (3 state, 3 private) from 3 provinces (Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir) 21-day rotation menus were evaluated via a questionnaire developed by the researchers. In the assessment of adequacy of energy and nutrients contents of menus the 100% of the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) was accepted as sufficient.

Results: The mean scores of the menus according to the quality indicators were found as 6.3±2.52 and 7.3±0.56 for the private nursing homes and state nursing homes respectively (p> 0.05). The calcium, folic acid, fiber and carbohydrate contents of both public and private nursing homes’ menus are found insufficient while the energy, protein, vitamin C and iron contents were sufficient. Also, the fat content of the menus were found high.

Conclusion: After the menus are planned, making the necessary improvements by evaluating the menu quality and nutritional adequacy can increase the quality of the nutrition services offered for the elderly.