Page 53 - Life Happens in the Kitchen

4. Continual Dining
a-Elders are provided with meals continuously throughout the day. Residents have a choice between the daily specials or a meals that are cooked-to-order. Elders are able to make their own decisions about serving sizes. The nutritional sheets provide appropriate portions for those elders who do not have a preference.
b-All ups, no downs...except perhaps for the suppliers of commercial supplements which are no longer needed as residents enjoy real food! And the real benefits:
• residents are relaxed and can take their time eating
• there is no rushing in the morning
• smelling the aroma of food being cooked can stimulate appetites • residents are in control
• residents eat and drink better in their homes
• residents benefit from the family connection with staff and friends • dining is pleasurable due to no restriction on diets
c-Regulatory considerations mirror all households, with the added challenges to sanitation and safety in a kitchen that never closes.
d-Continual dining was an innovative dining approach first introduced at Collins Landing House, a community for elders with dementia at Meadowlark Hills in Manhattan, KS. The purpose was to provide a variety of choices to the elders at each meal that appealed to all their senses throughout the day, and to provide the nutrients needed to maintain their strength and health.
Process:
In the Collins Landing House, the early morning is peaceful and quiet. Elders are rising at different times every morning. Each elder determines when and where she would like to have breakfast. Some elders like to be served in their room while others walk down to the kitchen to eat breakfast. Breakfast is made to order according to the elder’s preference that morning. This can range from
a bowl of cold cereal to a full plate of eggs, bacon and toast.
Recipe for Success
a-what’s the opportunity – terms/description
b-ups and downs c-regulatory considerations d-stories/examples
STAGE FOUR: HOUSEHOLD
Page 47
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