Eating Well While Living at a Senior Living Community

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Atrium at Liberty Park

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Posted on

Jul 18, 2023

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Florida - Southwest

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Seniors who live on their own face the hassle of making three balanced meals every day for themselves. They may not be able to meet basic nutritional requirements or encounter challenges in getting out to obtain necessary grocery items during these times of isolation. Eating well, featured in this article, is Reason #5 of of our Five Reasons to Join Senior Living Blog Series.

According to a recent study conducted by Feed America, an estimated 5.5 million older Americans lacked consistent access to basic nutrition needed to sustain an active, healthy lifestyle.  For seniors, living on one’s own can be difficult to plan balanced diets, shop, prepare ingredients, and cook for themselves. When choosing to live in a senior living community, residents enjoy delicious, nutritious meals three times a day in a lively restaurant.

How do residents in senior living communities eat well?

Chef-prepared meals
Presented by the Executive Chef and culinary team, residents enjoy delectable meals three times a day. Our culinary team members go to great lengths to offer exceptional dining options that will please the palates of all residents ranging from classic offerings to comfort food to international fare. Chefs and even award-winning chefs in select communities, prepare tempting, nutritious meals for residents in restaurant-style dining or elegant private dining rooms for special celebrations. We focus on serving fresh selections such as fresh fish, freshly brewed coffee, fresh-baked goods, freshly cracked eggs, and more. Not only do our menus offer an array of choices, but they are also available all day to satisfy residents’ desires for variety and flexibility. In addition to daily offerings, an everyday menu is available with classic items as well. 

Tailored to residents
Nutrition is important for seniors in maintaining their health. Our chefs create monthly meal plans that are balanced and take into account resident preferences, nutrition, food textures, allergies, and physician-ordered diets. All meals are planned to meet the specific nutritional needs of residents.

Meridian’s Snacks that Pack program is specifically developed for seniors with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. This program, offered in Memory Care communities, provides residents with nutrient-dense, antioxidant-rich snacks three times a day with a specialized hydration program.

Special Events
Memorable moments are made when culinary delights are paired with celebrations to support residents’ nutritional and psychosocial needs. Our chefs enjoy hosting special events with menus tailored to seasonal celebrations such as international nights, special luncheons, or holiday social gatherings. Daily happy hours are intended to draw residents together to socialize over a glass of wine, spirit, cocktail, beer, or a cup of hot tea or coffee.

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Heres an overview: Core Staffing Requirements (General)Most states mandate a mix of the following positions:1. Administrator/Executive DirectorRequired in all facilities.Must be licensed or certified (requirements vary by state).Oversees daily operations, compliance, staffing, and finances.2. Direct Care Staff (Caregivers/Aides)Assist residents with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility.Must meet minimum training hours (often 4080 hours).Staffing ratios (residents per caregiver) vary widely but typically range from:1:1015 during daytime1:20+ overnight3. Licensed Nurses (LPNs/RNs)Not always required on-site 24/7, but often required on-call.Responsible for medication management, assessments, and health care coordination.Some states require a nurse if the facility provides certain health services.4. Medication Aides/TechniciansAdminister medications under nurse supervision or per state guidelines.Must complete state-approved medication administration training.5. Housekeeping and MaintenanceEnsure facility cleanliness, safety, and order.Not typically subject to state staffing ratios but are essential for resident well-being.6. Food Service StaffPrepare and serve meals based on dietary plans and nutritional guidelines.Some states require a certified dietary manager or licensed dietitian to oversee meal plans. Staffing Ratios (Examples by State)StateMinimum Staffing RequirementCaliforniaNo fixed ratio; must meet sufficient staff to meet resident needsFloridaRequires an administrator, at least one staff per 20 residents during the day, and one awake staff at nightTexasMust have sufficient staff 24/7; no fixed ratiosNew YorkRequires at least one staff per 25 residents during the day, plus a supervisorOregon1 caregiver per 15 residents during the day; 1 per 25 at night (if residents need assistance at night) Training RequirementsMost states require:Initial training (ranging from 20 to 80 hours)Ongoing in-service training (e.g., dementia care, infection control, emergency response)CPR and First Aid certification Important NotesMemory care units often require higher staffing ratios and specialized dementia training.Staffing must be sufficient to provide services in the resident care plan, regardless of fixed ratios.During inspections or audits, under-staffing is a top citation issue.In Florida, assisted living facilities (ALFs) must comply with both statutory and regulatory staffing requirements to ensure resident care and safety. 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Independent living residents receiving no services are excluded. # ResidentsStaff Hours/Week051686152121625253263529436453354655375566541666754577685498869553996++42 hours per week for each additional 20 residents 2. Staff Availability & Ratios24/7 supervision:At least one qualified staff member must be on-site anytime residents are present home.caringdata.com+5casetext.com+5quality.healthfinder.fl.gov+5.For facilities with 17+ residents, one staff member must be awake and present around the clock FirstAid/CPR coverage:At all times, someone on duty must hold a valid First-Aid and CPR certificate (nurse, EMT, or paramedic qualifies) .Responsible staff in absence:If the administrator or manager is absent longer than 48 hours, a written-designated staff member (21+) must oversee facility duties  3. Staff Qualification & TrainingAdministrator oversight:Every ALF must be supervised by a licensed administrator responsible for operations and staff management.Preservice & Core Training:New staff must complete at least 2 hours of orientation before resident interaction.Ongoing training related to job duties and care must meet FAC 59A36.011 requirements. Medication assistance:Staff helping with self-administration of medication require 6 additional training hours, followed by 2 hours annually. Background screening:All employees (including contracted staff) must undergo Level 2 background checks.  4. Documentation & OversightSchedules & recordkeeping:Facilities must maintain written 24hour staffing schedules and time sheets. 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What to Look for in Memory Care in Pittsburgh: A Guide for Families Navigating Alzheimers and Dementia Care

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The Cost of Senior Living: Understanding Your Options

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Local Services By This Author

Atrium at Liberty Park

Assisted Living 1321 N.E. 24th Ave., Cape Coral, Florida, 33909

Atrium at Liberty Park offers supportive independent living, assisted living, and memory care services in Cape Coral, Florida. Voted Best Assisted Living by U.S. News & World Report for 2023-2024, our community provides an exciting and fulfilling lifestyle for seniors.Services: At Atrium at Liberty Park, youll find more than senior living services. Youll find community. Feel confident that our experienced senior care team is invested in your health and wellbeing. Enjoy a senior living community where its easy to fill your days with opportunities for fun and engagement. Our goal is to enrich the lives of those who call Atrium at Liberty Park home. We offer an array of programs and services that focus on whole-body wellness whether its creating an opportunity to socialize and make new friendships or participating in daily activities designed to strengthen your body and mind. For more information, visit the Lifestyle page.Lifestyle: Living at Atrium at Liberty Park is a fresh start to let go of responsibility and do more of what makes you happy. Relish in the simple pleasures and leave behind the burdens of owning and maintaining a home. We take care of everything, leaving you with more time for new friendships and hobbies, daily adventures, or maybe just more time to relax and be pampered.Memory Care: For residents with Alzheimers or other dementia, Atrium at Liberty Park is proud to feature MONTESSORI MOMENTS IN TIME memory care programming. We make every day feel special for your loved one with exceptional care and success-oriented programming that brings a sense of purpose and meaning to your loved one's experience at Atrium at Liberty Park.Contact us today to learn more about our community and how we can provide the tranquility and care your family deserves.

Atrium at Liberty Park

Independent Living 1321 N.E. 24th Ave., Cape Coral, Florida, 33909

Atrium at Liberty Park offers supportive independent living, assisted living, and memory care services in Cape Coral, Florida. Voted Best Assisted Living by U.S. News & World Report for 2023-2024, our community provides an exciting and fulfilling lifestyle for seniors.Services: At Atrium at Liberty Park, youll find more than senior living services. Youll find community. Feel confident that our experienced senior care team is invested in your health and wellbeing. Enjoy a senior living community where its easy to fill your days with opportunities for fun and engagement. Our goal is to enrich the lives of those who call Atrium at Liberty Park home. We offer an array of programs and services that focus on whole-body wellness whether its creating an opportunity to socialize and make new friendships or participating in daily activities designed to strengthen your body and mind. For more information, visit the Lifestyle page.Lifestyle: Living at Atrium at Liberty Park is a fresh start to let go of responsibility and do more of what makes you happy. Relish in the simple pleasures and leave behind the burdens of owning and maintaining a home. We take care of everything, leaving you with more time for new friendships and hobbies, daily adventures, or maybe just more time to relax and be pampered.Memory Care: For residents with Alzheimers or other dementia, Atrium at Liberty Park is proud to feature MONTESSORI MOMENTS IN TIME memory care programming. We make every day feel special for your loved one with exceptional care and success-oriented programming that brings a sense of purpose and meaning to your loved one's experience at Atrium at Liberty Park.Contact us today to learn more about our community and how we can provide the tranquility and care your family deserves.

Atrium at Liberty Park

Memory Care 1321 N.E. 24th Ave., Cape Coral, Florida, 33909

Atrium at Liberty Park offers supportive independent living, assisted living, and memory care services in Cape Coral, Florida. Voted Best Assisted Living by U.S. News & World Report for 2023-2024, our community provides an exciting and fulfilling lifestyle for seniors.Services: At Atrium at Liberty Park, youll find more than senior living services. Youll find community. Feel confident that our experienced senior care team is invested in your health and wellbeing. Enjoy a senior living community where its easy to fill your days with opportunities for fun and engagement. Our goal is to enrich the lives of those who call Atrium at Liberty Park home. We offer an array of programs and services that focus on whole-body wellness whether its creating an opportunity to socialize and make new friendships or participating in daily activities designed to strengthen your body and mind. For more information, visit the Lifestyle page.Lifestyle: Living at Atrium at Liberty Park is a fresh start to let go of responsibility and do more of what makes you happy. Relish in the simple pleasures and leave behind the burdens of owning and maintaining a home. We take care of everything, leaving you with more time for new friendships and hobbies, daily adventures, or maybe just more time to relax and be pampered.Memory Care: For residents with Alzheimers or other dementia, Atrium at Liberty Park is proud to feature MONTESSORI MOMENTS IN TIME memory care programming. We make every day feel special for your loved one with exceptional care and success-oriented programming that brings a sense of purpose and meaning to your loved one's experience at Atrium at Liberty Park.Contact us today to learn more about our community and how we can provide the tranquility and care your family deserves.