Hmmmm…pot roast with caramelized onions or Spanish pork chops – which dish will the residents at your senior living facility prefer? Instead of guessing, why not host a sampling session and let the residents have a say? Sampling new dishes at your facility is a great way to pique interest, solicit feedback and get honest information before putting a new item on the menu.
Why sample?
The likelihood of experiencing poor appetite and diminished nutritional status tends to increase as people age. That’s why it’s so vital to keep residents interested in the food that’s being served. Hosting a sampling session is a great way to promote continued interest in food or renew the enjoyment of eating. Plus, by introducing new flavours, ingredients or cooking methods, you are also providing valuable education to your residents. It’s never too late to try a new vegetable or eat chicken that’s prepared with a different sauce.
Studies show that older adults prefer a self-directed and informal approach when they are being educated, rather than a structured demonstration. Sampling sessions are self-directed, and respect the older adult’s desired learning style. The sampling session can be set up in the main dining area just before meal time, and bite-sized samples of new dishes can be distributed to interested parties.
Some residents may be set in their ways; they can be hesitant to try something new. But while it may be intimidating to order a complete entree of a food they’ve never tried before, it’s less daunting to try a bite-sized sample. If they don’t like it, at least they’ve tried. If they do like it, they can incorporate a new food into their diet and perhaps alleviate any food boredom that may have set in. That’s some wonderful education.
It helps you, too
In addition to the benefits to residents, hosting a sampling session can also save time and money for your facility. It’s cost effective to sample new dishes before they are introduced as a menu option. If a certain item is not well-liked by residents, you’ll know in advance. Allocating bite-sized samples is a lot less costly and labour intensive than preparing 100s of entrees that will ultimately be poorly received. The food preference of your residents is paramount when planning your menu. If you don’t ask their opinion, you may make menu errors that could otherwise have been prevented.
Make their voice matter
It should be crystal clear to the residents that the sampling is being done for their ultimate benefit. They should understand that their opinion is valued, and that catering to their needs is the ultimate goal. Several staff should be on hand to listen to feedback, accept ideas for foods that they want to try and learn what the residents like or dislike about the day’s samples.
If residents prefer to provide an anonymous opinion, it is recommended to have some feedback forms with a few questions that they can answer. You can have some simple questions that require yes/no responses, as well as open-ended questions to elicit more specific details about what they did and did not enjoy.
Most importantly, have fun with it! A sampling session should generate conversation, and should be engaging and highly social while welcoming residents warmly. Read this month’s Consumer Spotlight section to see how well sampling worked for Leisureworld Senior Care.