The feeding of six severely demented patients was changed from a task assignment to a patient assignment care system. Four caregivers participated in the study. Each caregiver fed her patient during 14 meals. Interviews with the caregivers after meal Nos 1, 7 and 14 revealed that this system made them feel more certain about how to interpret the eating behaviour of the patients. They also experienced a more positive attitude to the patient as well as more satisfaction with their work as feeders.