Exploring Dietary Accommodations in Assisted Living
People aged 55 and up are voicing their meal preferences more than ever. As the world learns more about specific dietary requirements and unique digestive issues, senior residents are becoming more accustomed to their needs, even in senior residency communities.
So, how do such assisted living centers ensure that special dietary needs like these receive the attention they deserve?
At locations like Addington Place of Fairfield, we offer personalized meal planning to address many of these:
- Conditions
- Allergies
- Preferences
- Requirements
Below, we will guide you through the steps we take to manage our residents' diverse dietary needs. Discover the importance of senior nutrition and personal diets and understand how we accommodate them to prioritize our community members' well-being.
Special Dietary Needs in Assisted Living
As assisted living tends to cater to groups of seniors aged 70-90, the dietary needs of residents are often much more complex than in other independent communities. Specialty diets are becoming more common, according to culinary provider eMenuChoice.
As such, some of the assisted living menus found in Addington Place of Fairfield help by:
- Managing sodium
- Managing sugar levels
- Altering diets for cholesterol
- Being aware of diabetes
- Ensuring clear labeling for allergies and intolerances
- Serving high-fiber foods to promote digestive health
These requirements also demand separate preparation areas and equipment to avoid cross-contamination, adding to the steps our staff are happy to undertake for residents' comfort. On top of this, cultural and religious dietary practices can add another factor to the already significant list of limitations, and clear communication of these ensures we can work to respect personal needs to create an inclusive environment.
The Importance of Dietary Requirements
As individuals age, their slower metabolisms and lower calorie requirements mean they are more likely to need nutrient-dense foods rather than calorific options. As proper nutrition reduces the risks of diet-related illnesses, we consider accommodating these needs a significant priority.
We develop diets tailored to specific medical conditions to help improve our residents' health outcomes, such as reducing blood pressure or managing blood sugar. At the same time, we ensure our residents receive the appropriate hydration they need to avoid significant health issues such as dehydration and ensure their bodies are working at peak efficiency.
Of course, should an individual have specific needs related to medication timings, we work with them to ensure they get both the optimal nutrition they need and the opportunity to take their medication.
Here at Addington Place of Fairfield, we also understand that personalized diets can majorly impact a resident's sense of independence and dignity. As such, we accommodate unique personal requests to foster a sense of personality and unique expression in our residents.
Meal Planning at Addington Place of Fairfield
During onboarding, we work with several people to ensure that residents get a meal experience that matches their needs. The steps we undertake include:
- Discussing the unique likes and dislikes of a specific resident to ensure they remain happy
- Involving families in our understanding of a resident's nutritional history
- Discussing our capabilities with the on-staff culinary experts
- Analyzing a resident's medical history to guide therapeutic diets
We also have access to advice for both residents and staff, helping create a culture of healthy living through expert help. As such, they will always be in good hands when it comes to ensuring the best level of nutrition.
We welcome feedback, and we collect any comments regularly to continuously improve dining services to the satisfaction of our residents.
Working with Residents and the Culinary Team
Our internal food experts collaborate with residents to create meals that are as appealing as they are nutritious. Following strict dietary guidelines, they can match any food and also follow resident preferences to ensure they do not ignore an opportunity for nutrition.
Our culinary team is also proud of their training and will continue to work to keep it updated based on dietary trends and the latest guidelines. They ensure the best for any residents without compromising on quality and taste.
Dining Services for Diverse Preferences
Residents have needs that go beyond nutrition, so we work to ensure every meal is also a community experience to ensure residents make the most of it to gain the nutrition they need. While residents can dine alone should they request it, we encourage both small-group dining or eating in larger community settings.
With rotating seasonal dishes and fresh ingredients, the food becomes a topic of discussion for those in our location, keeping it exciting and offering comfort as the year rolls around, evoking positive memories and emotions. Should any of these be especially welcomed, we will work to ensure they remain so and that residents can continue to enjoy them for longer.
Many residents have unique requests, and we try to accommodate them where possible. For example, a family may request to share around a birthday cake or similar celebratory food. We then offer residents the opportunity to join in the happy occasion by sharing the happy news and the food where requested.
Also, if residents choose new healthy lifestyle options, such as specific exercises, we will work with them to help them make more informed choices about their diet.
Our senior fitness programs can help improve the life of every resident. So, we can discuss new needs related to calories or specific nutrients if they are likely to assist with ongoing exercise.
For example, should a resident take up yoga or another stretch-based exercise, we will ensure they receive the proper nutrients for flexible joints and tendons. Through this effort, we improve both the meals and the activities our residents can enjoy.
Prioritized Senior Health Through Personalized Nutrition
Addington Place of Fairfield works with its residents to address any special dietary needs those in its care may have. Through thoughtful meal planning and tailored diets, we promote both physical health and a better overall experience for residents in Fairfield, IA.
Contact Addington Place of Fairfield to learn more about how we ensure high-quality dining services and discover our specialized dietary care plan for residents today.