Transforming Mealtimes: The Role of Food Choice and Variety in Care Settings
Published by
Gabriel Planas
on
We can all recognize that care settings bring unique challenges that can deeply affect patients’ and residents’ well-being. For new residents, transitioning from independent living often comes with the loss of familiar routines and sense of autonomy. Meanwhile, long-term care residents may face feelings of stagnation, which can affect their overall satisfaction and reduce their quality of life (Watkins et al., 2017). Patients in hospital settings also face their own challenges, such as disruptions to personal routines and limited meal options, which can further contribute to a sense of lack of control.
Research from Georgia State University highlights the critical role of autonomy in shaping residents’ quality of life. One key area where autonomy is often limited is food choice, a fundamental part of daily living. Residents have expressed that not having control over their meals can significantly impact their dignity, satisfaction, and well-being (Ball et al., 2000). And further studies support this connection, showing that selective menus and meals residents enjoy can lead to measurable improvements. For instance, Crogan et al. (2013) demonstrated that implementing a tailored food delivery system improved serum prealbumin levels (p = 0.001) and body weight (p = 0.029) among nursing home residents, while also increasing satisfaction with meal services.
While there is no single approach to support individuals in care environments, fostering autonomy through food can provide meaningful support. As you plan your menus, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the power of choice and variety to create a more engaging and positive dining experience. Empowering them to make decisions about their meals not only brings comfort and joy to their daily lives but can also contribute to improved overall health.
At apetito HFS, we believe in the power of choice and variety to make mealtimes meaningful and nourishing for individuals in both healthcare and long-term care. But at the same time, we understand how challenging it can be to create menus that strike a balance between diversity, nutritional requirements, and overall satisfaction. With that in mind, here are few suggestions you might find helpful as you plan your menus:
- Introduce diverse and inclusive options
Ensuring that meals cater to a wide range of needs can help create a more inclusive and satisfying dining experience. Options such as Halal meals ensure that cultural preferences are respected, while nutrient-dense solutions like our Appetite Assist products provide essential nutrition for individuals who need more but want less. Additionally, offerings such as texture-modified meals can cater to those who have swallowing difficulties, allowing patients and residents to meet their nutritional needs without compromising enjoyment. - Offer meal choices that are familiar
While diversity in meals are important, providing familiar options that your patients and residents know and love is just as essential. Familiar dishes can evoke positive memories, and offer a sense of stability especially for those adjusting to life in a care setting. Studies have shown that some residents often feel more comfortable with familiar meals and may resist unexpected options, as these can feel forced or imposed (Watkins et al., 2017). By combining familiar favorites with diverse offerings, you can strike a balance that ensures mealtime is both comforting and engaging for everyone. - Support patient and resident engagement
Actively seeking feedback from patients and residents empowers them to have a voice in their dining experience, encouraging a sense of involvement. At the same time, it provides valuable insights into the types of meals that truly resonate with them. This approach can transform mealtime into moments of connection and care for the residents.
Recognizing the importance of choice and variety in mealtime, the Ontario Government has made funding increases to improve the quality of care in long-term care homes. The increase in funding, which began in 2024 will continue to support initiatives aimed at improving the quality of care, and reinforcing the critical role of food in promoting autonomy, dignity, and enjoyment during mealtimes (Ministry of Long-Term Care, 2024).
Mealtime in care settings is about so much more than providing nutrition, it’s also an opportunity to create moments of connection, comfort, and dignity. By balancing familiar and diverse options, and incorporating resident feedback, you can transform mealtime into a meaningful experience that enhances your patients' and residents’ overall health and well-being.
Resources
Ball, M. M., Whittington, F. J., Perkins, M. M., Patterson, V. L., Hollingsworth, C., King, S. V., & Combs, B. L. (2000). Quality of life in assisted living facilities: Viewpoints of residents. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 19(3), 304–325. https://doi.org/10.1177/073346480001900304
Crogan, N. L., Dupler, A. E., Short, R., & Heaton, G. (2013). Food choice can improve nursing home resident meal service satisfaction and nutritional status. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 39(5), 38–45. https://doi.org/10.3928/00989134-20130313-02
Long-Term Care Funding Update 2024-25. (2024). Ministry of Long-Term Care. https://ltchomes.net/LTCHPORTAL/Content/Snippets/2024-03-27-Ministers Letter Long-Term Care Funding Update 2024-25.pdf
Watkins, R., Goodwin, V. A., Abbott, R. A., Hall, A., & Tarrant, M. (2017, July 11). Exploring residents’ experiences of mealtimes in care homes: A qualitative interview study - BMC Geriatrics. BioMed Central. https://bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12877-017-0540-2