Transitioning into long-term care (LTC) is a big decision for you and your loved ones. Aside from finding somewhere safe, clean, and with the appropriate resources, evaluating the aspects of daily living is the most important part of figuring out whether you’ll like it there. Moving to an LTC community shouldn’t feel like you’re giving up all the comforts of home, especially your food habits and preferences. Learn as much as possible about the community’s dining program, from the dining room layout to the weekly menu. The first step in getting this information? Asking all the right questions.
8 Questions to Ask About a Long-Term Care Community’s Dining Program
Let’s look at some questions you should discuss with the staff at each community you visit.
Is nutrition a priority?
Older adults need different nutritional requirements than other age groups, specifically more protein, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins B6, B12, and E. Because of this, you should assess whether the kitchen prioritizes food health. Some signs that a community does are:
- Providing residents with nutrition education specific to their needs and preferences
- Having nutritionists and dietitians on-site to attend to residents with special dietary needs
- Incorporating family involvement in meal planning
Does the menu accommodate dietary restrictions?
Many older adults require a meal plan that can accommodate their dietary restrictions. If you struggle with a health condition that impacts your swallowing or digestion or need a low-sodium, low-sugar, or low-fat diet, finding a community that can provide a nutritious, tasty meal that works with your needs is essential. To see whether this is a priority to staff, ask if the culinary program offers person-centered dining, a type of holistic nutritional care that addresses the entire person. This dining style promotes self-determination by encouraging residents to participate in dietary care.
What are the dining room hours?
In your own home, it may be customary for you to grab a bedtime snack at around 11 or midnight. However, that’s not always possible in a long-term care residence – depending on the kitchen hours. Ideally, a dining room would “never close,” meaning plenty of snacks are available outside of mealtimes. When this is available, it provides a level of convenience that makes it easier to transition into long-term care. It’s also prevention against malnutrition in older adults, something that 50-60% of LTC residents struggle with.:
- A way to help older adults get their needed nutrients per day
- An alternative to a three-meal-a-day schedule
- Helps increase sensory stimuli, depending on the snack type
How often does the menu rotate, and are there different daily meal options?
Ingredients aren’t the only things in a dining program that must stay fresh. New menu options make mealtimes enjoyable compared to the bland options traditionally found in healthcare settings. On top of regular menu rotations, you also want to have a range of meals to choose from every day. Eating the same meal daily doesn’t sound like something most people enjoy, so look closely at the menu when you’re touring a community. Our menus are an example of how to incorporate more than the basics. We offer different meal plans that are customizable to a community’s population, so the available options reflect the residents’ culture, preferences, and local favorites.
Are residents’ opinions about food taken into consideration?
Of all the questions you can ask long-term care staff, learning how they obtain resident feedback is the most important. As a new member of their community, you want to ensure your voice will be heard so your needs and preferences are met – just like everyone else’s. From the staff’s perspective, it helps them understand their residents better and provide better, more informed, and personalized care.
If possible, ask the staff if they have feedback available for you to view. Or, try to hear it directly from the residents themselves. Some LTC communities offer a complimentary meal during a tour, so use this opportunity to chat about the food with the people you’re dining with.
Is the dining room culturally conscious?
A culturally conscious dining room in long-term care is essential as the older adult population grows more diverse. As a part of this generation and a potential long-term care resident, you likely expect care communities to be familiar with different backgrounds and traditions. Offering dishes associated with your culture, observing religious dietary restrictions, and learning about resident culture are signs of an inclusive environment. It also shows that the staff are more likely to value and understand their residents, creating a better sense of belonging and ultimately making the transition to your new living space more comfortable.
What is the atmosphere of the dining area?
When you walk into a dining area, you don’t want to feel like you’re entering a hospital cafeteria. You want to enter a homely environment where meals are meant to fill your stomach and heart. Plating and presentation matter, too, so a dining area that incorporates elegant but fun cutlery and dishware is always a plus.
Seating that accommodates groups, or restaurant-style dining, is one way some communities accomplish a positive atmosphere. At Culinary Services Group, we believe a pleasant communal space is essential to the dining experience, so that’s why we include this seating style in our plans.
Another element we incorporate into the communities we serve involves one of our Culinary Promise: to create a culture of trust. This starts with maintaining positive relationships with LTC community staff founded on mutual respect and support, which ultimately translates to a more welcoming dining experience. Long-term care communities that partner with us have access to this healthy working environment, allowing them to create a better dining environment for residents.
You might have more questions about meal plans, menus, or dietary needs as you tour different long-term care communities. Be prepared for your next visit and learn more about long-term care dining in our other blog posts.
