Dining in modern senior living is changing. Residents and their families want the opportunity to select where they dine and how they dine. Grand dining rooms have not disappeared in senior living communities. They remain the formal place for group meals at breakfast, lunch and dinner. However senior living communities now provide more choices for residents to have meals together in casual settings. The dining atmosphere and the selections in senior living today feel a lot like resort living.
Smaller dining spaces and greater dietary expectations
Cafes and other smaller dining spaces are preferred and get consistent use from residents who are more social and active. Residents are interested in foods that are prepared fresh and, whenever possible, locally sourced. By offering unstructured dining spaces with fresh choices like light salads, fresh fruits and vegetables, grilled entrees and sandwiches on request, mealtimes are flexible for busy residents.
Options are the newest trend
Senior living residents today want choices. They believe variety is truly the spice of life. Along with the restaurant style locations popping up in modern senior living communities, are a variety of settings defined as much by the sleek, comfortable furniture as they are by the food choices. Bar and counter stools in certain venues suggest a casual feel; a place when men and women can gather for a light menu while involved in a social activity like watching a sporting event or a movie. Bistros with café seating are great for afternoon tea or lunch. Delis are popular dining options in senior living too. Busy residents can drop in, grab a sandwich and go or meet friends for a meal in booth seating. These locales typically serve beverages like coffee and iced tea throughout the day.
Family dining matters
In today’s senior living design, communities feature small private dining spaces for residents who enjoy entertaining. That activity should not end just because seniors relocate away from their homes. That activity should not end just because seniors relocate away from their homes. It’s not very comfortable for family and friends in the formal dining room with a large group of strangers when the intent of the visit was to spend quality time with loved ones.
