Eating with enjoyment

Sense of occasion
Active policy to make meals pleasant and enjoyable
Home-like environment without institutional practices
Individual food and social preferences met
Individual eating and nutritional issues addressed
Cultural differences in eating and mealtimes satisfied
Verbal cues to encourage eating and keep independence
Praise for appropriate mealtime responses
Mealtime social interaction encouraged
Opportunities for involvement in growing or buying food
Opportunities to help in food preparation
Opportunities to help with clearing and washing up
Past eating experiences taken into account
Changing needs accepted and met
Personalised kitchen to encourage ‘ownership’ of the area
Small decentralised dining areas, next to kitchens
Well-lit dining areas
Minimal noise and distraction
Colour and colour contrasts in décor to encourage eating and interaction
Flexible use of furniture for people’s changing needsVisible toilet close to dining area, and easy to get to
Dining areas with view of outdoor areas

For those with eating difficulties

Reviewed 18 February 2016