Dining Culture Change: Homelike Environment

There is a great deal of emphasis placed on a “homelike” environment in long-term care. This is a great concept. But what does it mean?

CMS defines “homelike” under the guidance to surveyors for F252. It discusses making the facility less institutional and allowing the residents to use personal belongings. A goal is to recognize the resident as an individual and provide an opportunity for self-expression.

This can happen easily in the residents’ rooms. But what about the common areas? What does “homelike” mean in the dining rooms, lounge areas, and other areas where many residents gather?

Well, it depends. Remember the adage, “There is no reality, only perception.” This is true. Everyone’s perception becomes his or her reality. And so “homelike” will have a different definition for you, your employees, and your residents based upon what “home” is like for each individual.

“Homelike” could be everyone sitting down to eat together or it could be everyone grabbing something to eat as time permits. It could mean a clean, uncluttered environment or it could mean messy. It could mean discussing the day or it could mean all attention on the TV. It varies with each family!

Because of this, it is not possible to simply tell employees “make the dining room homelike.” Everyone will have a slightly different idea of what that means, and maybe none of the ideas match what any of the residents think.

The point is that you have to define what “homelike” means in your facility and educate employees accordingly. Set standards on the level of cleanliness, food quality and appearance, dining room appearance, courtesy, service, etc. and educate, educate, educate!