January/February 2022 - 27

* Involve your residents in selecting updated decor. Include
small changes, such as table centerpieces or a temporary
theme in the dining room.
2. Provide excellent service
* Train your staff to use top-line serving etiquette.
* Teach your employees to provide the highest level of
customer service.
* Welcome residents as they enter the dining room and call
them by name when possible.
* Focus on plate presentation, from china to plating and
garnishing.
* Empower staff to be flexible in meeting residents' needs
(within safety measures).
* Offer tableside ordering.
3. Make it an experience
* Provide seasonal menu specials in the dining room only (not
available for in-room meals).
* Hold a recipe-tasting with voting on best presentation,
flavor, etc.
* Conduct prize drawings during meals.
* Select a " Resident of the Week/Day " to honor at a meal.
* Provide residents with a " Free Guest Meal " so they can bring
a friend or family member to the dining room.
* Have a grand reopening celebration.
* Feature a chef demo during a mealtime.
* Try a theme meal.
* Host a mocktail/cocktail happy hour before a meal.
Spread the Word
Once you have done the work to create that special something
in your dining room, remember to tell everyone.
* Use your newsletter to highlight your menu and dining area.
* Post signs inviting residents back.
* Issue formal or fun invitations to welcome them back.
* Send a letter home to families explaining changes and the
benefits of eating in the dining room. Ask them to encourage
residents to resume communal dining.
* Inform your entire staff of the benefits, and urge them to
spread the word and encourage residents.
* Feature residents enjoying the dining room in your digital
marketing.
SOURCES
1. https://www.seniorlifestyle.com/resources/blog/the-mentalhealth-benefits-of-socializing-for-seniors/
2.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16395515/
3. Defeat Malnutrition Today
TELL YOUR STORY
Whether it is one thing, or more likely a combination of
many, listen to your team and residents to find what's most in
demand, make it happen, and then share your story. E
For tips on marketing your dining program, contact Gordon Food
Service® for a copy of " Your Food. Your Story. "
NUTRITION & FOODSERVICE
PROFESSIONAL
TRAINING PROGRAM
* Enroll anytime in Pathways I, II, III(b) or V
* Work at your own pace
* Check out our accelerated option for Pathway III(b)
* Online RD preceptor from UND available
* Excellent CBDM exam pass rates
* CBDM approved CE courses available
Enroll today!
UND.edu/dietarymanagers
701.777.0488
®
Approved Training Program
NUTRITION & FOODSERVICE EDGE | January-February 2022 27

https://www.seniorlifestyle.com/resources/blog/the-mental-health-benefits-of-socializing-for-seniors/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16395515/ http://www.UND.edu/dietarymanagers

Nutrition & Foodservice Edge Magazine - January/February 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Nutrition & Foodservice Edge Magazine - January/February 2022