Page 59 - Life Happens in the Kitchen

STAGE FOUR: HOUSEHOLD
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4. Continual Dining, cont’d
“Residents can gather at their leisure to read the morning paper, have a cup of coffee with friends, or catch up on the latest gossip. Or if they prefer to sleep in, breakfast is available to them right up to and during lunch.
“All staff who work in the households are encouraged to participate in the dining experience. CNAs may be helping to set tables, while it may be a Life Enhancement staff person who is preparing a special dish. One of our households prepares their own lunch every Wednesday, oftentimes prepared from recipes and menu planning submitted by the residents. Other times, a house may decide to order out for ham- burgers. Each household has a “mad money” line item in the budget for these special events that help to keep spontaneity a part of the daily life of the house.
“Residents are encouraged to participate in meal planning and preparation in any way they desire. Some help with setting and clearing tables, some just like to watch, while others could care less. One household is particularly fond of Lorraine’s potato salad which she helps to prepare for most of the household potlucks. Although the potato salad is quite good, what is better is how she feels because of her ability to give to others in her house.
“From Captain CrunchTM at 5:30 in the morning to individual pizzas at bedtime, we are constantly looking
at individual residents’ preferences, making all efforts to provide appropriate choices in food and times of avail- ability. In our houses we look to the staff, who have the most intimate contact with the resident to seek out that which is most satisfying to the individual in hopes that mealtime can be a pleasant, social experience that every- one looks forward to every day.”
©2004-2005 Action Pact, Inc
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