Page 38 - Life Happens in the Kitchen

Page 32
Recipe for Success
a-what’s the opportunity – terms/description
b-ups and downs c-regulatory considerations d-stories/examples
STAGE TWO: TRANSFORMATIONAL
6. Five-Meal Plan
a-Five-meal plans are increasing in favor throughout the country in long term care. Foods from the traditional menu are simply served at different times throughout the day. The plan is characterized by a continental breakfast available to early risers, a full brunch including standard breakfast fare, an early afternoon significant snack, a hearty late afternoon supper, and a substantial bed time snack. Snacks are more like simple meals, thus this approach is called the five-meal plan.
b-Proponents love the five-meal plan. Residents can eat throughout the day, the time crunch and rush of breakfast is avoided and the main kitchen prepares only two hot meals each day. All three small meals are available in or near the residents’ rooms for consumption when hungry. While interdepartmental schedules are greatly impacted by this significant change in meal times, interdepartmental participation in meal times enhances staff and resident life alike.
c-Although a five-meal plan offers choice of foods and times, beware that some residents continue to prefer three big meals at the traditional times. Extended meal times as well as offering lunch items at brunch, could accommodate all.
d-Hillcrest of Wayzata implemented the five-meal plan
on one big day, together with steam table service to neighborhood kitchenettes. Acknowledging that the conversion to the five-meal plan was the most challenging piece of the change, it has now resulted in outstanding resident satisfaction.
Porch Swing SeriesTM Culture Change Workbooks
Porch Swing SeriesTM Culture Change Workbooks
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