Dining in assisted living communities has come a long way. Nowadays, everything from your dining experience to the taste of your food is serious business – as it should be! Excellent nutrition is vital to your health, and the setting of your meal can make all the difference too. When touring an assisted living community, be sure to check out their dining options, and have a chat with both the team and residents to find out more about senior dining trends there. We’ve listed some of our favorites below.
Freshness and Quality
Gone are the days of mass-produced meals. Today, freshness and quality are key. Providing residents with high-quality, fresh ingredients has been a welcome trend that has made a strong impression in the assisted living industry. When touring assisted living locations, ask about the freshness and variety of produce they provide their residents. The type of dining options varies, with some locations providing restaurant or family-style settings, while others opt for truly gourmet experiences. No matter what, fresh ingredients are key. If you can sit in on a meal during your tour to an assisted living community, all the better. You can have a look to see if the food that’s offered is really as good as it’s claimed to be, and check in with the residents about how they feel about the quality of their meals. Fresh fruits and vegetables are filled with vitamins, so make sure they’ll be available every day.
Meal Planning: Medication and Nutrition
Personal meal planning is another trend in assisted living communities. For some, this amenity is merely a perk. For others, having the option to partake in a specific diet is crucial. If you or your loved one have any dietary needs, be sure to discuss them with the team members of an assisted living community during your visit.
Bringing up your or your loved one’s medication needs can also be helpful here as some food and medicines just don’t mix. Certain medications require a diet that is lower in potassium; in this case, one should stay away from food like spinach and bananas as they can react negatively to medication. Milk and cheese can also affect the way certain antibiotics function. When you make a visit to an assisted living community, bring a list of medications and speak to the dining service about your concerns.
Gourmet Meals by Real Chefs
A welcome trend is the inclusion of real chefs in the designing of menus in retirement communities. Nowadays, communities work with chefs and dining room team members from hospitality backgrounds, which ensures that the kitchen team is at the top of their craft. At Spring Mill, we’re proud to say that our Sensations Dining program offers local favorites and sumptuous international cuisine prepared by executive chefs. We use only the best and freshest ingredients to prepare delectable meals served thrice a day – just have a look at our latest menu!
In our community, we offer excellent Personal Care and SHINE® Memory Care senior living options. Schedule a tour with us. We’d love to have you!
