Eating Well: Food Choices At Assisted Living Facilities

As we get older, they say that appetite and taste lessens, but "they" couldn't be more wrong. For the vast majority of older adults, the enjoyment of great food is something that never goes away. At assisted living communities, the food services generally offer great variety, and the residents also enjoy the social aspect of mealtimes.

At facilities for assisted living in San Diego County, most offer three meals each day as well as snacks. For a senior adult living at home alone, mealtimes can be lonely, not to mention that you have to prep, cook and clean yourself. In an assisted living community, all of this responsibility is gone and you don't have to eat alone.

Of course, if you do wish to take a meal in the privacy of your room, this can be arranged at some assisted living facilities. A few communities for assisted living in San Diego provide room service, although this might be an additional charge. In addition, most apartments have small kitchenettes or kitchen areas with a small fridge and perhaps a coffee maker, toaster and microwave for quick snacks or a pot of coffee.

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.