Today’s senior knows that eating is one of life’s greatest pleasures and clearly is looking for excellence in dining. Dining is an integral part of daily socialization and is to be something to look forward to and enjoyed in any given setting. We as providers know we have to be on the cutting edge with our dining programs. Trends in food service are rapidly changing. We have to provide more than just good food. You can increase resident satisfaction in dining services by addressing the needs of the multigenerational senior. Today’s market includes dealing with the sandwich generation, resident, family and those involved with the resident. Be able to exceed the expectations of the new senior and the families too. Dining is a social event and a resident’s nutritional well-being is greatly enhanced by including not just the taste of the food but the appearance, variety, atmosphere or esthetics and the attitude of the resident in regard to meals. Studies have been done on the link of the dining experience and nutrition. Nutritional status can be improved by following proven steps in enhancing your meal service. Learn valuable options you can incorporate into your system. Assess the attitude between departments involved in meal service. Attitude determines the success of any dining program.


Nursing and dietary should be able to work together like ‘’peas and carrots’’ Eliminate the battles between departments. Make meal service less painful for your facility and be the highlight of your resident’s day. Develop proven systems for departments to work together successfully to have excellence in dining programs. See dining through the consumer or the resident’s eyes. The baby boomers have had an abundance of choices on where to eat and the array of food flavors and ethnic foods available. The baby boomers are coming? Are your ready to meet the expectations of the ‘’new senior’’ and is your dining program ready for them?


Teaching Method
Lecture, Power Point, Handouts, group activities, Q & A