| Satisfaction With Their Assisted Living Community | | | | only what is on the menu, and no order are |
| I love the food here; | | | | taken? |
| It's uptown; | | | | How many food item choices are available for |
| The service is great; | | | | each meal? |
| We have so many choice. | | | | Are snacks available? What is offered, and how |
| Who can complain? I can always cook my own | | | | often? |
| meal if I don't want to eat here. | | | | Consider the service style. Are you waited on or |
| The dining room is beautiful, but I can receive | | | | do you self-serve buffet style? Do you observe |
| room service if I choose. | | | | the cooks making rounds in the dining room? Are |
| These comments are common in many assisted | | | | residents served meals in courses vs, all items at |
| living communities. Of course, complaints are | | | | once to avoid overstimulation? |
| heard occasionally because it's not possible to | | | | Are guests encouraged to eat meals with you? |
| please 100 percent of the people 100 percent of | | | | Is anything special done for holidays? |
| the time. Imagine the number of times you've | | | | Does the dining atmosphere suit you? |
| dined at a restaurant and thought your meal was | | | | Are residents assisted to the table and |
| great, while one of your dining partners was | | | | transferred out of their wheelchair if possible? Are |
| disappointed. Yet assisted living dining services are | | | | walkers moved to the side for a fine-dining |
| setting trends as good as any restaurant while | | | | atmosphere? |
| delivering meals in a home-like setting. | | | | How are special diets handled? Who explains the |
| The assisted living philosophy of choices, dignity, | | | | diet to you? What happens if you choose not to |
| and independence pervades all areas, including | | | | follow your diet? What level of diet can the |
| dining services. Providers recognize that you, as | | | | community provide should your needs change |
| the consumer, have a choice and that meals are | | | | over time? Are liberalized diets provided? |
| an integral part of daily socialization and routine. | | | | Are there opportunities for resident feedback on |
| Provider know they have to work hard to satisfy | | | | meals, such as monthly forum with the chef and |
| such an independent customer. They also | | | | administration? Does the kitchen encourage |
| recognize that nutrition is key to keeping residents | | | | residents to submit their own recipes? |
| healthy and independent in the residence. | | | | How is dining handled for dementia care residents? |
| KEY POINTS TO CONSIDER | | | | Nutrition and weight loss are key issues in this |
| When touring a prospective community, keep | | | | resident population. Are finger foods offered when |
| these points in mind: | | | | appropriate? Is the dining setting social but calm |
| Ask to take a tour during mealtime. This will tell | | | | and peaceful? Are nutrient-dense snacks offered? |
| you a lot about the facility. Ask to have a meal at | | | | Are residents encouraged to participate in meal |
| no cost during your tour. This is common and | | | | service family style, cleaning up after meals and |
| many communities will even suggest it. This will | | | | participating in food preparation as an activity? |
| allow you to observe the dining experience and | | | | Is a registered dietitian involved in menu planning |
| how it may fit your needs. | | | | and/or on a consultative basis? |
| Inquire about fees. Is there an additional charge | | | | Facilities handle dining services in a variety of |
| for room service and guest meals? Are three | | | | ways and price accordingly. However, what most |
| meals per day included in your monthly rent, or | | | | often defines residents' happiness with the dining |
| do you pay additional for more than one meal? | | | | experience is there comfort level with the service |
| Is a separate party room or dining room available | | | | style and dining atmosphere and with the staff |
| where you can enjoy an intimate dinner with | | | | that run the department. Because different styles |
| family or friends? | | | | suit different needs, make sure the dining services |
| Observe whether residents order when seated at | | | | style of the residence you choose suits yours. |
| the table or order in advance. Or are you served | | | | |