Eating Well: Food Choices At Assisted Living Facilities

By Rue Nichols


As we get older, they say that appetite and taste lessens, but "they" couldn't be more wrong. For the vast majority of older adults, the enjoyment of great food is something that never goes away. At assisted living communities, the food services generally offer great variety, and the residents also enjoy the social aspect of mealtimes.

There's nothing wrong with eating alone once in a while, but often seniors who live independently don't have much chance to enjoy meals with friends or family. For those who live in assisted living in San Diego, not only are you always guaranteed a meal with friends, you never have to clean up, shop for groceries or prep for meals. At most facilities, three meals each day and snacks are simply part of the monthly costs.

Sometimes you might wish to eat alone, of course, and there's no reason why you cannot do that at a home for assisted living in Escondido or assisted living in San Diego. A few facilities offer room service options for an extra fee, but your apartment also probably will include a small kitchen space where you will have a dorm-size refrigerator, a microwave and a coffee pot. This allows you to eat or drink whatever you like in the privacy of your own space.

When you are out there trying to select a spot for assisted living in San Diego or perhaps placement for assisted living in Escondido, you will need to take a thorough tour of the facilities, and this definitely includes the dining room. Don't just walk through the dining room, come and enjoy a meal or two and ask for menus for all three meals. Ask them how they accommodate your specific dietary needs and whether or not they ask for resident food recommendations.

There will be some differences between the food offerings at a facility for assisted living in San Diego versus a board and care facility. Generally, because there are only about six residents at any board and care facility, you might be able to have a bit more personal input regarding menu options. A larger assisted living community will instead have a much larger menu with more choices, in general.

One note for those with a loved one in a home for assisted living in San Diego: Be sure to come and eat breakfast, lunch or dinner with your loved one once in a while. Beyond just visiting and hanging out in their apartment, mealtimes give you the opportunity to get to know other residents as well as some of the staff members. Be sure to also take your loved one out to dinner sometimes, too. Everyone enjoys a fancy meal at a favorite bistro or perhaps a big family dinner, so don't forget to plan those outings.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment