Fine Dining Senior Living

Fine Dining in Senior Living

Many senior living communities in Atlanta promote fine dining as one of their amenities. But what does fine dining really mean? If you look up fine dining on most senior living websites, it includes upscale restaurant style dining, along with other options such as a bistro or pub. People looking for dining options in Independent Living seem to have more options than Assisted Living or Memory Care.

When someone is looking at Assisted Living or Dementia Support it is important to think about the dining options that the community provides.

Assisted Living Dining Options

Here are some things to consider when looking at the dining offerings in Assisted Living:

  • Are there a variety of dining options for the residents?
  • Are there a variety of menu options for the residents?
  • Are the dining options on a set schedule?
  • Are residents assisted with finding the dining areas?
  • Is there a policy or procedure to ensure that all residents attend and consume their meals?
  • Are there opportunities for residents to be involved in cooking and baking?
  • Can residents eat in their rooms?
  • Are there options for special dietary needs and preferences?
  • Is there a nutritionist on staff or consulted?

Dementia Support Dining Options

Here are some things to consider when looking at the dining offerings and programs for Dementia Support:

  • Are there a variety of dining options for the residents?
  • Are there a variety of menu options for the residents?
  • Are the dining options on a set schedule?
  • Are residents assisted with finding the dining areas?
  • Is there a policy and procedure in place to ensure that all residents are consuming their meals?
  • Are families consulted in dietary preferences and restrictions?
  • Is there communication with families if there is a change in intake of food and hydration?
  • Is there communication with families if there is a change in diet?
  • Is there a speech therapist on staff that provides swallow studies when there is a change in ability during eating and drinking
  • Does the community provide modified diets, utensils and dining ware?
  • What do the modifications look like and are they appealing and appetizing?
  • What does food service look like?
  • Is the staff skilled in hands on support that enables someone living with dementia to be independent and successful in eating and drinking?
  • Are there special programs used for dining?

Modified Diet Due to Change in Abilities

Speech Therapist and swallow studies determine when a modified diet is needed due to changes in ability, which may include:

  • Adaptive utensils
  • Adapted service and dining ware
  • Finger foods
  • Modified Chop
  • Puree

Dementia Dining Programs

Here are some dining programs that are specific to dementia support:

Orchard at Brookhaven Senior Living is an intentional community that provides support in Assisted Living and Dementia. Orchard will be using the Grind Dining program to help ensure the optimal in dining experience and dietary health for our residents. Please contact us for more information on this program and how it will be implemented.