Dining With Dignity

Dining is something we do everyday three times a day, breakfast, lunch and dinner. This activity is second nature in our daily routine but for some, as we age, it becomes more and more difficult to enjoy a great meal. Whether it’s difficulty in cutting up a meal, or just not being able to use utensils as easily, there are certain instances where eating can become extremely frustrating and stress inducing. 

With Father’s Day approaching quickly you might want to take dad out to dinner, or lunch and treat him since he has done so much in our lives. We want our dads to feel comforted and secure, but when it comes to dining sometimes these things can be a challenge for him. Whether he is suffering from Alzheimer’s or Dementia incorporating dining activities can be a great way to make the meal more enjoyable: 

Eat Outside!

Having a meal outside can make it 10x more enjoyable. Being surrounded by nature, flowers, trees, fresh air, can be therapeutic. Take a trip to your local park or garden, get to know the town you or your loved one lives in. Make the most of the summer or spring weather. This can enhance your dining experience for you and everyone involved. 

Connecting food to life 

Find out about a person’s connection to food and mealtimes from their life experience. This is a great way to stimulate conversation over a meal. Activities and conversation based around memories is a great way to learn more about your loved ones. 

Cook at home 

People who are suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s that are living at home should be included in cooking the meals! This is a great activity to get them excited to enjoy the food. You can encourage them to assist in tasks such as:

• Stir mixes
• Add garnishes
• Cutting easy to cut ingredients 

Some people might be fine just watching and observing but incorporating conversation, explaining what you’re doing, asking for a taste test can still make your loved one feel included. 

Spring Hills 

At Spring Hills we want to make sure your dining experience is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Taking the time to make sure every resident’s dietary restrictions, meal preferences and more are accounted for is what we do best. When serving our seniors meals we make sure we deliver their food in the most aesthetically pleasing and easiest way possible. Chefs and staff prepare to cut up food if the residents struggle with the utensils, or create finger food options if they cannot use utensils at all. Here is a really great meal that can be prepared for residents needs and could go great with some dining activities:

This meal can be served as an entree or placed in a roll for those who struggle with utensils!

Pepper Steak Recipe

Pepper steak is high in protein, and it can be a very health-friendly option for our residents. It is also high in Vitamin B12 making it great for the blood and immune system. In addition to it being loaded in flavor, it is cooked in low fat oils to avoid an increased risk of Diabetes or other dietary concerns. The vegetables that go into the steak are made right in our own backyard to ensure freshness and flavor. It’s no secret why this option is so universally enjoyed by our residents

Ingredients Required:

• 1 lb Sliced Top Round Beef
• ¼ Cup Soy Sauce
• 2 Tablespoon Sugar
• 2 Tablespoon Cornstarch
• ½ Teaspoon Grounder Spoon
• 3 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil
• 1 Onion
• 1 Red Pepper
• Slice the steak into ½ inch thick slices then slice them across the grain. Whisk together soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch and ginger in a bowl until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
• Place the steak slices into the marinade and stir until well coated.
• Heat 1 tb of oil in a pan over medium high heat place steak in oil cook till beef is brown then remove beef and add the onion and pepper cook for 2 minutes add the beef back into pan and serve