Last updated on August 5th, 2025
For many older adults, transitioning to assisted living or memory care means losing a part of their independence.
While we know that we’re doing everything we can to help them retain their sense of autonomy, residents might struggle to accept their new environment and way of life. This begs the question: how can care staff make residents feel like a part of their community?
Our secret is prioritizing resident feedback.
Everyone’s voice matters, so adopting that approach as part of your dining program is a way to promote wellness through proper nutrition, while also building community.
At Culinary Services Group, person-centered dining is at the heart of our mission.
In this blog, we’ll summarize what this means to us and some of the different ways you can uplift your residents’ voices and their feedback about their dining experience.
Language matters, but so does authenticity
The way you talk to residents matters, and that includes the language you use on all your nutrition and dining-related materials.
The National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL) reports that over 65% of adults over 60 have trouble understanding and interpreting numbers, forms, or charts on printed materials.
Because of this, any resident-facing materials should be in an accessible format.
That means using plain language, larger fonts, high-contrast colors, and clearly labeled sections. Avoid jargon or overly technical terms like “macronutrient composition” or “culinary reduction” when simpler words like “nutritional value” or “sauce” will do. Visual aids such as photos of menu items or icons to indicate dietary needs (like low-sodium or vegetarian) can also improve comprehension and engagement.
Given these statistics, it’s important to be intentional when you create your menus. A well-designed menu isn’t just easier to read; it signals respect for the resident’s ability to make informed choices.
But, accessibility isn’t enough on its own — authenticity matters just as much.
Residents don’t want to feel like you’re telling them what to do or believe, so your communication should feel human and genuine. For example, instead of saying “tell us what you think,” opt for a more personal question like, “What meals remind you of home?” or “What’s your favorite breakfast food?”
You can also schedule one-on-one meetings with residents who may feel more reserved about giving feedback, but don’t be afraid to set up an anonymous comment box for those who prefer privacy. Some residents might be more honest in writing, especially if they’re worried about what staff will think. Offer multiple ways for residents to provide feedback, such as
Don’t stop while you’re ahead
Continuous engagement with residents is the second most important concept when it comes to their engagement and satisfaction. It’s not enough to only gather feedback once or twice a year.
Resident needs, preferences, and health conditions can evolve rapidly, and your dining services should evolve with them.
Encourage your dining team to commit to regular feedback loops and to respond with transparency. Part of creating a wholesome, inclusive dining experience is being transparent with your residents about the challenges that might impact their way of living in your community.
If a resident’s suggestion can’t be implemented, explain why. Whether it’s because of dietary restrictions, budget constraints, or general issues, explain why in terms they can understand. If it can, follow up and let them know when and how it will be addressed. That kind of responsiveness builds trust, strengthens community, and transforms dining from a basic service into a valued relationship.
Host regular committee meetings
Resident food committees are a way to stay engaged. These committees can meet monthly or quarterly and provide a structured space for open dialogue. They make things even more inclusive, invite residents from different areas of your community, and ensure diversity in age, dietary needs, and cultural backgrounds.
Your “town hall” meetings should represent your entire community, not only those who are willing to speak up. In the event that you do have a low turnout, use your other methods of collecting feedback to ensure diversity.
You can also use these meetings to collect feedback, preview upcoming menu changes, test new recipes, or get input on seasonal specials.
Prioritize one-on-one connections
While group meetings and food committees are valuable, one-on-one meetings offer a deeper level of connection, especially for new admissions who may still be adjusting to their environment. Sitting down individually with new residents allows you to understand their unique preferences, cultural background, and dietary needs from the start, helping them feel welcomed and empowered.
It’s also important to follow up with residents who are particularly vocal during committee meetings. These individuals often have strong opinions or concerns, and taking time to meet with them separately ensures they feel genuinely heard and respected. It also helps you clarify feedback that might get lost in group discussions and build trust through open, personal dialogue.
Utilize resident-friendly technology
Use resident-friendly technology to create simpler, more effective ways to provide feedback.
This could be as straightforward as a touchscreen kiosk near the dining room where residents can rate their meals with smiley faces, or a voice-to-text app that allows residents with mobility or vision challenges to speak their thoughts.
Make sure tech-based solutions are optional and always offer low-tech alternatives like paper forms or one-on-one conversations.
Create adaptive materials for residents with different needs
Create visual menu boards to address residents with all types of technological and cognitive needs. Include pictures of the meals, highlight ingredients and allergens, and use symbols to represent dietary preferences like vegetarian, diabetic-friendly, or low-sodium.
These visual cues are particularly helpful for residents with memory impairments or low literacy and can increase independence and satisfaction in mealtime choices.
Strategize with residents in mind
Ready to implement dining program changes to start prioritizing resident feedback?
Make sure your strategy is air-tight by aligning your goals, systems, and communication methods with the real needs and preferences of your residents. This means turning feedback into specific, trackable actions and creating a culture where resident input is encouraged and welcomed.
With Culinary Services Group as your food service management provider, getting person-centered dining isn’t only possible — it’s the standard. We partner with senior living communities like yours to design kitchens that function effectively with residents at the center of every menu.
Schedule a meeting with one of our sales team members to learn more about our offerings.
