Country Meadows is home for hundreds of seniors across eleven senior living communities in Pennsylvania, plus one in Frederick, Maryland. And during this time where home means something more, the teams at Country Meadows have been working hard putting new measures in place so residents don’t have to leave their independent living apartments for anything unnecessary. One area of major concern has been nutrition. With dining halls and restaurants closed, and with grocery shopping more difficult, our senior living residents have had to rely on the staff and care team members to deliver the proper nutrition they need. Here is how the Dining Services team has been taking Country Meadows’ version of all-inclusive senior living to a new level – one meal at a time.
How nutrition has changed
Because proper nutrition is so important for a healthy body and mind, the in-house nutritionists and food service executives at Country Meadows have worked together to adjust the menus and meals offered to residents during the pandemic. Typical menu items are still available, but extra touches such as more hydration options as part of meal trays and appropriate portion sizes for each resident have been added to ensure all are receiving the healthiest meals possible. As all meals within the food service and dining programs were already designed around a nutritious diet, there was little need to change many menu details. And although the new meal options are a bit regimented, residents are still able to reach out to their dining directors to ask for anything they need or to make special requests for food, drinks and any other substitutions necessary.
Flexibility for senior independent living residents
Seniors in the independent living apartments who are accustomed to getting their own meals and groceries on a regular basis have made some changes as well. While grocery delivery services are allowed by third party services such as Instacart and Peapod, these residents are also given the option of receiving meals from the campus staff. Under typical circumstances, senior independent living residents are offered a continental breakfast and an evening meal. But they are now being offered three meals a day through the campus food services department to avoid trips out for groceries. This option is great for our seniors looking to limit their contact with anyone outside of their apartment and provides extra peace of mind for our residents.
Overcoming food service challenges in senior independent living communities
Currently, all meals are boxed individually and are being delivered to residents. The task of producing meals hasn’t been difficult, but having the equipment necessary to take those meals door-to-door has demonstrated a need for creative solutions. Since Country Meadows serves many needs, including a senior independent living community, we don’t typically need tray lines or heated food carts for our entire campus like a solely skilled nursing facility might. Thankfully, the team at Country Meadows was able to work with a more than willing community of schools and other local programs that were able to provide some assistance and products to make these in-room dining needs feasible campus-wide.
Country Meadows is incredibly grateful for our dining and food services team, our staff and all of our executives working to make the senior living experience as normal as possible during these unprecedented times. Our hats go off to all members delivering hot meals and providing the customer service our residents have come to know and love during their time here.
To learn more about Country Meadows, and all of the services we currently offer, please visit our website. Our senior living options include a range of amenities for many levels of care and unique requirements. Contact ustoday to see how Country Meadows can meet all of the senior independent living needs for you or your loved one.
Country Meadows
