Dining in Senior Housing

Everyone enjoys sitting down to a good meal and they always taste better when enjoyed with family or friends.  When you are dining in senior housing, knowing what to expect can make your experience even better.  Here are some facts that you may find helpful.

Menus and Options

Here are a few changes that happened with the new assisted living laws.

• Three nutritious meals available daily.
• Snacks are available to residents seven days a week.
• Menus include seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Menus prepared at least one week in advance.
• Residents should have access to the menu.
• Tenants participate in menu planning.
• Communities inform residents of menu changes.

Most communities have set mealtimes.  Assisting living law states that residents must have access to food at any time.

Meal Plans

The meal plan should be separate from rent.  The facility cannot require a resident to pay for a meal plan.  Many senior livings will offer options for meals.  Some offer packages of 1, 2, or 3 meals daily.  Others permit residents to dine as they wish on a la carte basis.  The cost of meals varies widely among senior living communities. Some memory care and enhanced care do include meals.

Nutrition Requirements

The menus in assisted living and memory care should follow the dietary allowances for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).  Most communities will use a menu planning system or have a dietician review the menus.  Some communities will offer a dietician to the residents, and this is not yet a common practice.

Specialized Diets

Meals prepared without added salt.  If salt is needed for flavor, you can always add it.  Many assisted living and memory care communities offer modified diets.  This usually includes mechanical soft (cut up meats and foods) and puree (completely blended).  When a person is unable to feed themselves, staff can help in memory care or enhanced care.  A person needing these additional accommodations will pay for the service.  Gluten free and dairy free food options are available at many places upon request.  Speak with the dining manager about any special dining or dietary requests prior to moving.

Taste Test

Taste matters.  When choosing the community you will move into, and you are down to the one or two finalists, don’t be afraid to ask if you can join in for a meal.  Many communities are happy to agree. This will give you a real idea for their meal quality and the overall dining experience.