When it comes to the quality of life at Plano, TX retirement communities, nothing is more important than the food served to residents. There has been significant progress made in the provision of nutritional assistance to those in need of extended medical care. Providing meals that are tailored to the needs of the residents is a crucial component of the ongoing effort to alter attitudes and behaviors. Let us take a look at how senior living dining services meet residents’ unique needs.
Senior Catered Dining
Tray service and linen napkins are no longer the focal points of senior catered dining services. According to The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regulations and interpretation guidelines, the community must serve each person with a healthy, appetizing, well-balanced cuisine that satisfies his or her daily nutritional and special dietary needs, taking into mind the preferences of each resident.
Food Service Standards
Even while three regular meals are still the norm, residents now have the option of eating more frequently during the day.
Some residents may prefer eating in their rooms since they are unable to use the common dining area. Think of it as room service if that is the case. The breakfast time has been changed from 7 a.m. to 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Mobile snack bars will be rolled down the halls to fulfill those mid-morning and mid-afternoon cravings. That is to say, it is similar to what you might prepare at home.
Offering food around the clock is a tremendous help in providing care that is focused on each individual. For the convenience of their residents, some communities provide small kitchenettes in each unit and equip them with food that can be prepared quickly and easily.
Menu Prep
As a basic rule of marketing, if you want to know what a customer wants, you should ask them directly. Retirement communities spend a day or two researching what kinds of meals residents are interested in eating by putting together a survey or questionnaire. Sometimes people experience cravings for things they have not shared with their friends and family, or their preferences shift. The next step is to form a dining and food committee comprised of residents.
Obviously, a note of any dietary requirements, restrictions, or allergies needs to be taken. The menu will be reviewed by a trained nutritionist to ensure proper nutrition. The community chef is in a prime position to provide perspective on what is feasible to provide within the community’s means. The menu will be presented to the residents for the collation of feedback.
Lead from Management
Leadership and management’s support of senior catered dining services is crucial to the implementation of even the most innovative dietary plans. The appropriate actions come about because leaders set the stage and give their teams the authority they need to succeed.
When you add a great attitude and extensive training and education to the mix, you can rest assured that you will surpass the expectations of your employees, residents, and their families.
