b'MENU PLANNINGMenu planning one bite at a timeAddressing concerns about recent regulatory changesto menu planning and meal service in long-term care homesBy Carol DonovanW hat is big and gray and77(7) Mealtimes home will be different based on scary and constantly in yourThe homes no longer must serveresidents preferences, size, staffingface? Change! Changemeals during very specific timeand complexity of diet types and is the proverbial elephant in thewindows; you may now serve mealsbudget. For example, a smaller rural room these days. In these changingat preferred times agreed upon byHome might select one popular menu times change is the only constant.the Residents.choice for entre and sides and have In long-term care we have been in77(1) Snack Menus alternates available if needed. Homes the constant state of change longwith a larger population and cross-There must a choice of food itemssection of needs and preferences may before COVID-19 blew our way. The legislation related to menu planningfor snack at PM and HS. want to offer two choices or more.has recently changed and has many77(2) Menu Evaluation Do I have to make changes? of you wondering what to do. TheThe evaluation of the menu is to beYou do not have to make any good news is you do not have to dochanges. Your previous menus still anything to comply.conducted by both the Registeredmeet the regulation. You have time Dietitian and the Nutrition Managerto decide whether changes would The following regulations related toand is based on the DRIs. Dietarybenefit your residents and your home menu planning and meal reference intakes (DRIs) are a set ofor not. The best way to do this is to scientifically developed referencetalk to the valuable resources you service went into effect on values for nutrients. These tablesalready have in your home. Ask the July 12, 2022 (paraphrased): provide dietary reference intakes forresidents, their families, the food service workers, cooks, Nutrition 77(1) Menu Planning vitamins, elements (minerals) Managers, Registered Dietitians and and macronutrients. Health Care Staff the simple question: The homes no longer have to offer What is working and what is not?two full choices of all meal items,This is each homes opportunity rather they must provide one mainto rethink food service. The newIf resident meal satisfaction is an choice meal (including entre, sidesregulations give you autonomy toissue, you can make changes that and desserts) and have alternateset up a food service system thatwill allow the dietary staff to spend options available.works for your population. Eachmore time and effort producing the 36 LONG TERM CARE TODAY Fall/Winter 2022'