Making Meals Memorable: Service

The technical aspects of service involve setting the table, escorting residents to the dining room, serving food and beverages, and clearing dining room after the residents have finished.

Properly setting the table will add to the atmosphere in the dining room. Each place setting should be the same and each table should be the same. The dishware needs to be clean and in good repair—no chipped or cracked dishes.

Beverage service can occur prior to the meal. This gives the residents something to do while waiting for the food. Beverage service can be from a beverage cart. This is a good way to offer choice to the residents.

The meals can be served using restaurant serving trays and stands. Or meals can be served using serving carts. Avoiding institutional hospital trays to serve food enhances the dining experience.

Serving carts can also be used to serve salads and desserts. This is also a great method to offer more choice to the residents.

After the meal is served, it is important to follow-up. Ask the residents how the food was and if they would like any additional food or beverage.

After meal service, the dining room must be cleared. If residents are still in the dining room, this should be done quietly and away from tables where residents are still eating. Bussing carts work well for this.

What service do you offer in your facility?