3 Ways to Make Mealtime a Highlight for Senior Living Residents
Senior living food programs are evolving to meet the demands of residents, many of whom are baby boomers looking for variety and that extra something at mealtime. Check out three trending ways to keep your program fresh and engaging for residents.
- Ensure Accessibility. Every resident should be able to enjoy the dining experience, no matter their level of independence. A survey from MatrixCare showed that 86% of senior care providers say meeting residents’ special dietary needs is a top priority. To do so, use easily digestible ingredients and formats, and consider texture modification (IDDSI standards) for those with chewing and swallowing impairments.
- Boost Sustainability. Following the broader consumer trend, seniors are interested in sustainability practices like recycling, composting and greater transparency for ingredient sourcing. You can respond to this call for sustainable sourcing by partnering with local farms or offering reusable containers for leftovers.
- Offer Dinner and a Show. Studies show that 60% of a resident’s day revolves around mealtime. It follows, then, that the quality of a food program is often a make-or-break for prospective residents choosing a facility. So why not make mealtime an unmissable event? Cooking demonstrations, chef competitions or pop-up dining events are all great ways to engage seniors and encourage socialization.
Rolling out these updates at your facility is about more than keeping up with current trends—it’s about making sure every resident feels seen, cared for and included at mealtime. What new program or initiative would you try at your facility? Share your ideas on Facebook or LinkedIn.
Sources:
“The Top Five Dining Trends in Senior Housing” – 2022 – Navigator GPO / New Horizon Foods
“MealTracker Dining Survey Infographic – May 2023” – 2023 – MatrixCare
“Senior Living Dining and Senior Nutrition” – 2024 – Seniors Blue Book
