| Many people who are considering assisted living | | | | normally prepared by a cook that follows a dietitian's |
| arrangements are worried about the food that they | | | | menu. This ensures that the residents get the best |
| or their loved ones will be served. Most assisted living | | | | nutrition possible. The meals are cooked using |
| homes offer home cooked, nutritious meals. Getting | | | | wholesome ingredients that most folks use in their |
| the right balance of foods and making them palatable | | | | own homes. |
| plays a huge roll in wellness. Assisted living homes | | | | Most meals are prepared by the cook who might |
| typically offer food just like the resident would cook | | | | also double as a staff member. The meals are well |
| themselves, or their family would cook for them. | | | | balanced and are based on the older adults' daily |
| What's more, in smaller assisted living homes, the | | | | requirements. Special dietary restrictions are always |
| resident may be able to participate in shared | | | | considered and the meals are geared toward being |
| common kitchen. This offers a unique opportunity to | | | | adjusted to reflect the same. Typically there are |
| come together as a "family" and cook and eat | | | | several items on the menu that are nutritionally |
| together. This type of sharing is encouraged to | | | | sound. |
| foster stronger bonds among the residents and staff. | | | | Snacks |
| Cooking Together | | | | Assisted living homes are just an extension of the |
| In many adult group homes cooking as part of a | | | | home that the resident is used to living in. Unlike in a |
| group is very welcome. The residents under | | | | hospital setting, residents that are hungry between |
| supervision of the staff many times will cook their | | | | meals also have an opportunity to be served snacks. |
| meals together. Of course this is not mandatory but | | | | Some residents may keep their own snacks in their |
| it is a fun way to share recipes and ideas. Many | | | | rooms, while the dietary staff will also prepare snacks |
| times the meals are cooked via a pre made menu | | | | at particular times of day that residents may choose |
| and recipes that are prepared by a dietitian or facility | | | | to eat if they wish. |
| manager. | | | | Good food that is good for you can really make a |
| Typically the main meal of the day is the meal that | | | | difference. Assisted living homes know that feeding |
| the residents will cook together, dinner and special | | | | the stomach also fuels the body and the soul. Home |
| occasions are prime time for this activity. Many times | | | | cooked meals are a way to keep the quality of life |
| there will be cooking classes that are offered so | | | | strong, making sure that the residents have the |
| these folks are well prepared to cook up food that is | | | | opportunity if they so choose to participate in the |
| not only very palatable but chock full of nutrition. | | | | preparation of their meals also feeds the soul and |
| Prepared Meals | | | | allows independence and decision making in one's own |
| When the residents are not cooking, the meals are | | | | life. |