Making Mealtimes Steve Reynolds NAPA Chair November 2012

N ational A ssociation for P roviders of A ctivities (for Older People) Activity is at the heart of care for older people Activity is at the heart of care for older people Information, training, support, campaigning Information, training, support, campaigning Come to Tea Come to Tea Food Glorious Food Food Glorious Food

Everything that happens, and the person experiences, from the beginning of the day to the end WHAT IS AN ACTIVITY ??

WHAT IS FUN ??? A meaningful activity, engagement, interest and pleasure

Meals – a key activity Structure for the day Pleasure and necessity Health and wellbeing Community event Universal AND individual experience A bad meal messes up your day and week

It’s all about the senses “The individual’s evaluation of food, before it is eaten, is a crucial stage, not only for making nutritional choices, but for impacting the entire eating experience.” Nestlé Research Centre

i As well as... Room, table, menus, flowers, coloured linen, napkins, place mats, condiments, food presentation How about.... something to look at/discuss, pea pods, furry dice, driftwood, post cards, wall pictures SIGHT

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i SMELL Stimulation, encouragement anticipation and pleasure How about... Kitchen door open, cook in dining room coffee percolator, cakes and bread, synthetic smells (myode.org), check staff

i SOUND Create right atmosphere, conducive to dining How about..... Not having announcements, but music at start & finish, privacy, noisy food, staff chat

i TOUCH A s well as... Texture & temperature, self service of veg, bread & condiments, finger foods How about.... Buying and growing, cooking, mixing, shelling, peeling, laying & clearing tables, “work-out food”

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i TASTE As well as.... As per menu, chef-tasted, seasoned, etc How about... Temperature, new tastes, variations, resident recipes, preferences, feedback It tastes as expected & described or better!

i THOUGHT As well as.... The importance of anticipation, meeting expectations, learning about people’s experiences and memories Dining is a mental and emotional experience

i Menu Tuesday March 7 th Chicken and chips Menu Tuesday March 7 th Chicken and chips Menu Tuesday March 7 th Pan-fried free range chicken, crispy french fries and fresh buttered garden peas Menu Tuesday March 7 th Pan-fried free range chicken, crispy french fries and fresh buttered garden peas

i THOUGHT How about..... Protected time, sittings, screened areas, themed meals, tasters, comfort foods, tea parties, guests, displays & buffets, themed meals, before and after

i Nutrition for the older person Naaah!

i Here come the naysayers “One who frequently engages in excessive complaining, negative banter and/or a generally poor and downbeat attitude”.

i Health and safety Residents don’t like change We don’t have the staff Our dining room’s too small Must have medication with meal Our chef won’t like it We tried that before It costs too much