Themed Menus and Restaurant-Style Dining in Senior Living
December 2024
Introducing Fresh Menu and Service Formats in Senior Living
Senior living residents are looking for more variety at mealtime, which means operators need to balance these preferences with nutritional needs. By making a few changes to dining formats and menu options, they can offer a more satisfying experience that meets both taste and health expectations.
Restaurant Service
More senior living foodservice programs are adopting restaurant-style formats. Introducing interactive elements like cooking stations, chef’s tables with demonstrations and extended Sunday brunch hours helps add variety to mealtime and residents’ schedules. A waitstaff further contributes to the ambiance and may be especially appreciated by residents with mobility issues.
Elevated Menus
Over half (54%) of operators say improving food offerings increases resident satisfaction. With more Baby Boomers moving into senior living facilities, knowing their generation’s dining preferences can ensure they have the best experience possible. Seniors will love recipes featuring high-quality ingredients and global flavors like Turkey Bolognese with lean ground turkey and a ragu of sauteed vegetables and zesty tomato paste. Additionally, this Guajillo Roasted Turkey Breast combines comfort with global flair and features tender turkey, a corn and cactus relish, white bean puree, mole and pickled beans.
Themed Feasts
Operators are also experimenting with themes on their menus and for special occasions like Italian Pasta Night, when residents can watch a pasta-making demonstration and choose from a variety of sauces and toppings. Themed events like summer clam bakes and weekly barbecues also help drum up excitement each season. These kinds of engaging events encourage residents to participate and try new flavors while connecting with one another.
See more recipes and tips for enhancing mealtime for senior living residents. Incorporating these updates to your senior living foodservice program can help improve residents’ quality of life, ensuring they get the nutrition and socialization they need. What new offerings would you try at your facility? Share your thoughts on our Facebook or LinkedIn pages.
Sources:
https://www.iadvanceseniorcare.com/considerations-when-offering-senior-care-dining-times/
Healthcare Foodservice Multi Client Study, Technomic (2024)
