Nutrition & Foodservice Edge Magazine - November/December 2021 - 18

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groups, and patterns of both formal and informal long-term
supportive service use among these populations need to be
considered when planning holiday menus and food events.
Make sure there are seasonal food choices that reflect the
diverse makeup of your client population. If you're unfamiliar
with the specialty dishes and holiday customs that are unique
to ethnic resident groups, do some research. Or-better yet-
engage individually with as many people as possible to learn
about preparing traditional foods that would appeal to your
residents' taste buds.
Review Therapeutic Diet Orders and Promote a
Liberalized Diet
For residents on modified diets, review the current diet order
to determine if there is a demonstrated benefit for continuing
the modifications. Are they showing improved outcomes
based solely on the dietary modifications? If not, then consider
requesting that the diet be liberalized to support improved
intake and better outcomes.
If a modified diet is in fact necessary, consider requesting a
physician order to allow a " meal of choice " during the holidays
or even a meal of choice weekly or monthly.
RESOURCES FOR
HEALTHY MEAL IDEAS
* American Heart Association (https://www.heart.
org/en ) " Healthy Heart Recipes " at https://
recipes.heart.org/en
* National Kidney Foundation (https://www.
kidney.org/ ) " Kidney Friendly Recipes " at
https://www.kidney.org/recipes-search
* American Diabetes Association (https://www.
diabetes.org/ ) " Meal Planning " at https://www.
diabetes.org/healthy-living/recipes-nutrition/
meal-planning
* Gluten Intolerance Group ( https://gluten.
org/ ) " Meal Planning " at https://gluten.
org/2021/04/13/gluten-free-meal-plans/ or
" Recipes and Food Prep Resources " at https://
gluten.org/?s=recipes&x=14&y=6
* U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) " Healthy
Menu Ideas For Holiday Celebrations " at https://
www.nutrition.gov/topics/shopping-cookingand-meal-planning/culture-and-food
For
Residents Requiring Modified Diets, Look
for New Holiday Recipes Which Support
Healthy Choices
Residents who require therapeutic diets should be served
holiday foods that support healthy choices, such as low sodium,
modified consistency, etc. Seek input from residents on the
recipes they want to have at the meal or event. See the article
sidebar for healthy meal resources.
In addition, food distributors and manufacturers are often
excellent sources of holiday recipes through their websites or
promotional materials.
Communicate with Family Members
In many long-term care facilities, loved ones may not be able
to make in-person visits this holiday season due to continued
COVID-19 restrictions. So, make arrangements for a phone
or video chat. Or encourage family members to mail cards
with photos. Take this opportunity to share information about
seasonal events and meals being served to residents so that
family members can better engage with their loved one.
Plan a Resident's Choice Holiday Meal
This is a wonderful way to engage residents and give them
something special to anticipate. Even if they cannot plan their
traditional meal or gathering at home, they can help plan a meal
for the facility.
Meet with the resident council and seek input on foods they
would like to see offered. Be sure to include tabletop décor and
linens to reflect the festive nature of the meal.
HYDRATION IS IMPORTANT
Remember the importance of hydration during the busy holiday
season. Generally, water is the preferred source of hydration, but
we recognize that drinking water all the time can get boring.
The holidays offer opportunities to find new recipes for specialty
seasonal beverages, flavored waters, coffee, milk, or juice.
Reach out to food distributors, and visit product manufacturer
websites which promote festive beverage recipes. Items such
as cranberry mocktails, mulled apple cider, holiday punch,
and peppermint hot chocolate can provide a tasty treat while
hydrating your clients.
Explore ways to increase variety and times of hydration passes,
offer additional beverages at mealtimes, and provide fluids
REFERENCE
1. Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Opportunities for the Healthcare System, The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering,
and Medicine. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press: https://doi.org/10.17226/25663
18 NUTRITION & FOODSERVICE EDGE | November-December 2021

https://www.heart.org/en https://recipes.heart.org/en https://recipes.heart.org/en https://www.kidney.org/ http://www.kidney.org/ https://www.kidney.org/recipes-search https://www.diabetes.org/ https://www.diabetes.org/ https://www.diabetes.org/healthy-living/recipes-nutrition/meal-planning https://www.diabetes.org/healthy-living/recipes-nutrition/meal-planning https://gluten.org/ https://gluten.org/2021/04/13/gluten-free-meal-plans/ https://gluten.org/2021/04/13/gluten-free-meal-plans/ https://gluten.org/?s=recipes&x=14&y=6 https://gluten.org/?s=recipes&x=14&y=6 https://www.nutrition.gov/topics/shopping-cooking-and-meal-planning/culture-and-food https://www.nutrition.gov/topics/shopping-cooking-and-meal-planning/culture-and-food https://www.doi.org/10.17226/25663

Nutrition & Foodservice Edge Magazine - November/December 2021

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