Dining Culture Change in Long-Term Care Homes Transitioning

Abstract: In this case study, the authors investigated how a long-term care (LTC) community transformed its culture of dining from traditional, institutional meals to resident-centered meals and relational dining. Christie Gardens is a continuum of care in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is home to 320 Independent and Assisted Living residents and 85 Courtyard Community (LTC) residents.

Guided by the Life Nourishment Theory, a case study evaluation and qualitative data analysis were employed to synthesize information obtained with the following methods: 27 dining room observations; 38 interviews with leadership, staff, residents, and family members; and review of 45 relevant documents. The authors describe the resident-centered steps that led the home’s dining culture change, the evolution of care and meals in the home, the challenges and resistance to change that were encountered, and suggestions for overcoming these challenges. Strong yet nurturing leadership, visionary thinking, and translation of relational dining throughout a LTC home are essential for causing change to an ingrained culture.

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