Residents’ Perceptions of Food and Nutrition Services at Assisted Living Facilities

Abstract

Food and nutrition services in assisted living facilities (ALFs) are important factors in overall quality of life and health status of the elderly. This cross‐sectional study examined the relationship between ALF food and nutrition services theme and resident perceptions of food and service quality and foodservice satisfaction at Texas ALFs. Participants completed a questionnaire that asked them to self‐report demographics, functional status, and perceptions of food quality, service quality, and foodservice satisfaction. Eighty‐five individuals ranging in age from 58 to 99 years residing at six ALFs in north Texas participated. Facilities included two from each of the following food and nutrition service themes (restaurant/resort, medical/health, and home‐style). Residents of the three ALF themes gave similar ratings for food quality, overall foodservice, and foodservice satisfaction. However, residents at home‐style theme facilities rated service quality more highly than those at restaurant/resort facilities. Menu choices and mealtime flexibility associated with the home‐style food and nutrition services theme may make these facilities a preferred choice for elderly individuals who are no longer able to remain in their own homes.