Named a Best of the Best Program to Spotlight, CRL Senior Living Communities’ Healthy and Whole Nutrition Program has improved resident nutrition, decreased staff stressed, and engaged residents in a fun and meaningful way.
ALFA 2012 Best of the Best Program to Spotlight
Any dining program that requires meals be prepared from scratch with natural ingredients and no premade products arguably deserves a prize, but this program also mixes in resident involvement and a healthy dollop of fun. Chefs meet weekly with residents, regularly host interactive food preparation activities, and serve residents’ recipes, modified to improve nutrition. Recently, four CRL chefs faced off in CRL’s Chopped Culinary Challenge, based on a popular cooking show, to raise awareness about senior nutrition.
Ari Weinberger, president/CEO, says he looks at food costs not just as an expense but as a potential return on investment. “Spending a little bit more money on food can reduce turnover, reduce incidents and behavior [issues], improve the health of residents, lower stress of colleagues and caregiving staff, and help close the back door,” he says. CRL credits nutrition for reducing blood pressure/blood sugar issues and the need for diabetic medication last year.
The above best practice was recognized as an ALFA 2012 Best of the Best Program to Spotlight. Do you have a best practice, product, service or solution at your community or company that is advancing excellence in senior living? The Call for Nominations for the ALFA 2013 Best of the Best Awards will begin in November. Visit ALFA.org/bestofthebest to read more best practices
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