Eating Well: Food Choices At Assisted Living Facilities

By Rue Nichols


Some people mistakenly believe that your appetite sharply diminishes and your sense of taste declines as you age, but this is really just a myth. Good food is something you should be enjoying all of your life, and the culinary options at assisted living facilities can be one of the highlights of living there.

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.

When you visit various facilities, you probably will note that larger communities tend to have more diverse menu selections. With so many residents to please, they will offer multiple entrees, several salads and a soup or two with each meal as well as a selection of side dishes and desserts. At a smaller board and care home, the menu might not be nearly as diverse, but it is important to know that with just five or six residents, it's easier to find options that suit the tastes of this smaller group.

If you are a loved one of a person who is moving into assisted living in San Diego or assisted living in Escondido, don't forget to come and share meals occasionally at the facility. Not only will your loved one enjoy your visit, it will give you a chance to meet some of your parent's friends and get to know the staff a bit better, as well. Don't forget to schedule some offsite meals for your loved one either. This could be as simple as taking them to your house for a family event or family meal or perhaps going to a favorite restaurant or even planning a picnic in the park.




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