Last updated on June 15th, 2023
As assisted living and other types of senior living communities are catching the interest of new generations of older adults, they are adapting their services to create a more personalized and favorable environment. Baby Boomers make up the largest portion of the older adults transitioning to assisted living, so catering to their preferences is one way to ensure higher resident satisfaction.
Recent analyses say that Baby Boomers will have the highest net worth and pass on the most money to the next generations, which means they have more to invest in their care. It also means they are more used to higher-end accommodations. These seniors consider dining an experience rather than just another meal.
Implementing long-lasting changes and enhancing dining services is what transforms a “facility” into a home. But, as part of the leadership at a senior living community, you have a lot on your plate. Whether you’re managing staff or ensuring residents’ needs are taken care of, running your dining services can fall by the wayside because of everything you’re responsible for. How do you make time for everything?
Outsourcing your food service staff allows you to create an upscale dining program without needing to manage it yourself. Here are a few things to consider as you’re choosing a food service partner to help you rethink the structure of how you serve meals to your residents.
Maintaining a Focus on Wellness
Because older adults are at a higher risk of developing health conditions, especially chronic ones, a dining program should maintain a focus on wellness. Experts recommend making a healthy aging plan, which summarizes seniors’ preferences for their care as they age. Part of this plan includes listing any health needs when transitioning into an assisted living facility. If your residents have these, use them to select your menu.
Even without a healthy aging plan, you can still incorporate nutritious and enticing foods into each meal without sacrificing quality or taste. For example, Culinary Service Group offers three food programs that feature meals and snacks shaped by on-staff registered dietitians. We consider texture, nutrition, and conditions that require meals to follow guidelines like the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative. We also use ingredients like locally-sourced fresh produce or healthy alternatives to high sodium and sugar foods to create delicious menu selections.
Other wellness trends such as healthy food-focused events, personalized meal experiences, Montessori methods, and community development promote health, encourage independence, and preserve dignity for residents in your community.
Value Alignment
Partnering with a program that has similar values is extremely important to the ongoing operation of a senior living facility. When residents feel like their environment reflects their values, they are more likely to feel welcome and at home. For example, since Baby Boomers are likely to make up a large portion of your community, knowing their core values could be an asset. While they are known for their reverence for tradition, they also highly value reinvention, creativity, and community. Each of these is entirely possible to integrate into your dining services, giving you the opportunity to connect with residents on a deeper level without adding extra work.
Flexibility is another quality that a food service management provider should have. In the case of an emergency, you want a partner that can adapt meals, timelines, and other aspects of a menu to cater to resident needs. Culinary Services Group always has a point of contact available and ready to help if a catastrophe strikes. While we hope this never happens, we’re always prepared to assist in your time of need.
In addition to value alignment, a dining program should also comply with FDA regulations about cleanliness and food safety and storage. Maintaining a kitchen ready for inspection at any point helps prevent violations, which could significantly impact the residents’ quality of life.
Monitoring Your Return On Investment
Although having a food service partner with many features is great for giving residents options during mealtime, you should understand your return on investment (ROI). Here are some questions to consider:
- Are you getting what you invested in the program, or is it costing you more than it’s worth?
- Is the program helping you accomplish the goals you set for your dining program?
- Do the residents in your community enjoy the meals? Are they satisfied with the food quality and service?
- Are you saving time and energy by outsourcing your dining services?
- Is the program contributing to the overall health of your residents and community?
Overall, the benefits should outweigh the costs.
Outsourcing Food Service Management
For many senior living communities, outsourcing food service management to a trustworthy partner makes a world of difference in dining quality. Plus, it takes the responsibility off of leadership and places it into the hands of experts who know the population well.
However, even though outsourcing has many benefits, it can be nerve-wracking to bring in new help to your community. At Culinary Services Group, our meal plans prioritize senior health and happiness — catalyzing culinary change one plate at a time.
Residents will get a well-rounded dining experience with nutritious, restaurant-quality meals. We focus on person-centered care, which includes improving health and wellness through healthy meal times and activities. Our services help build your reputation among families as a welcoming, caring, and compassionate environment so that families know their loved ones are being well taken care of as they transition into assisted living.
Are you interested in learning more about how you can choose us as your food service management partner? Contact us here.
