Dining options in senior living facilities can significantly improve your quality of life and overall satisfaction with your living environment. Access to not only good-tasting food but also food that meets your nutritional and dietary needs is important. The food and dining options available in senior living facilities have evolved as more older adults seek supported living communities.
Senior living dining options will vary across communities. Some meal plans come included with your monthly payments, while others may have additional costs and allow you to customize the meals you receive. Knowing the facts about your dining options and nutrition support can help you ask the right questions and make the most informed decision about where you live.
Residents can choose from multiple dining options
Senior living dining options can vary depending on the community and level of care in which you reside. Here is a breakdown and examples of what you might find in different facilities. However, keep in mind that the dining amenities offered by each facility will be different, so it is always a good idea to take a tour, ask for sample menus, and, even better, try a meal.
Independent living
Independent living communities will typically have one or more restaurant-style dining areas where you can order food from a menu. The menu may rotate seasonally and change for holidays. These types of communities may also offer options such as grab-and-go or room service.
Most independent living communities have rooms with small kitchens, so you will have the option to prepare some of your own meals. Because of this, these communities are more likely to offer customizable meal plans, allowing you to choose if you want to prepare some meals on your own.
Assisted living
Assisted living facilities typically have a centralized dining room. They usually offer a menu of entrees and sides to choose from. You may place your order with a server, as in a restaurant, or enter your choices via a paper or electronic format before mealtime. In-room dining is available in some facilities, but it may be reserved for residents who are unable to eat in the dining room safely or who have an illness or injury. Snacks are often available throughout the day or when requested.
Meal plans in assisted living can vary; some may be all-inclusive, while others may have the option to customize them. Assisted living apartments may have a small kitchenette that can be used for reheating or warming up food.
Memory care
Memory care facilities provide all meal services and snacks. Their meal plans are typically included in the facility’s price. Meals are usually served in a community dining area, and residents are assisted by caregiving staff. There is usually a rotating menu, but meals will typically be selected and modified for each resident based on their needs.
Nursing home or skilled nursing facilities
Nursing homes or rehabilitation facilities typically have a short-stay area and a separate area for long-term residents. Short-stay residents may eat in their rooms due to injury or illness.
Long-term residents often have access to a dining room or may eat in their rooms based on each individual’s needs and preferences. Caregivers will be available to assist residents who require help with feeding or meal selection.
Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs)
CCRCs typically offer multiple dining options. This can include restaurant-style dining, cafés, bistros, and grab-and-go options. Meal plans are generally customizable to the level of care you are receiving while residing in a CCRC.
If you live in your own condo, cottage, or independent living area, you may choose not to have a meal plan and prepare your meals yourself. Due to the number of meal plans and dining options in a CCRC, you should tour all care levels in the community and ask about specific meal plans and dining areas.
Nutrition support services help maintain resident health
Nutrition plays a critical role in your overall health. Many factors, including chronic diseases, poor oral health, changes in vision, and alterations in taste and smell, can affect older adults’ ability to maintain a balanced diet. Older adults are also more likely to have their nutrition affected by social changes, such as the loss of a spouse or social isolation. When older adults develop poor nutrition, they can experience worsening of their chronic conditions and an overall decline in health.
Senior living facilities often offer nutrition services that extend beyond simply serving meals. Here are some additional nutrition benefits you may find in a senior living community:
- Scheduled meal times.
- Opportunities to socialize during meals, which can reduce social isolation.
- Menus overseen by a registered dietician or other health care professional.
- Programs for weight management.
- Communication with your medical team regarding specialty diets, weight loss or gain, or other nutrition-related concerns.
Communities often cater to special dietary needs
Most communities that cater to older adults will offer accommodations for special dietary needs. This can include personal choices such as vegetarian, vegan, or diet modifications for religious reasons. It is essential to ask about the accommodations that can be made and ensure your dietary needs will be met, as not every facility offers the same meal modifications.
Special diets for allergies and health reasons can often be met in these communities as well. It is a good idea to speak with the dietary team before moving in and provide them with any documentation from your medical provider that outlines your specific dietary needs.
Special diets commonly seen in senior living environments are:
- Low- or no-salt diets: This is important for people with high blood pressure but may also be recommended for those with heart disease, kidney disease, or diabetes or for anyone looking to improve their health.
- Heart-healthy diets: This diet type may be recommended for someone experiencing chronic heart disease or for those at a higher risk of developing it.
- Diabetic diets: For anyone with diabetes or pre-diabetes, it is important to follow a diabetic diet. Furthermore, set meal times are crucial to ensure medications are taken and blood sugar monitoring occurs.
- Pureed or mechanical soft diets: Due to different conditions that affect your ability to swallow, you may need the texture of your food modified to eat and drink safely. Common conditions can include Alzheimer’s or dementia, stroke, and even short-term injuries or dental procedures.
You can provide input to influence dining options
Residents in senior living communities often have diverse preferences regarding the type of food they like, how it is prepared, and how it is served. Many senior living communities have resident advisory committees, some of which have specific times set aside to discuss food. A representative from the dining staff may be present to collect comments and ideas.
Depending on the facility you’re in, you also have resident rights that ensure staff must listen to any complaints, including those related to food and dining services. Federal and state regulations vary by level of care and by location. If you have thoughts or ideas about the food in your facility, make sure to get involved.
Senior care facility rules and requirements vary based on company-specific policies and state-level regulations. The content above represents common guidelines but may differ from a particular facility’s policies or requirements. To learn the regulations that apply in your state, contact your local Oasis Senior Advisor.
