Summerset Programs

Although many family members expect their loved ones to experience issues such as needing a walker, help with dressing, or medication management, they often don’t realize how hard it is for many to maintain their dignity during dinning. Many medical conditions adversely affect a resident’s ability to enjoy not only the physical act of eating but the social benefits as well.

Difficulties with motor control, vision impairment, and swallowing during meals can create a fear of embarrassment and ostracization from peers. We find that many seniors with these challenges stop coming to meals and many activities.

By providing the right support and equipment during mealtimes, we can reduce some of the adverse effects that many residents suffer from while dining.

Any time dining

By allowing a resident the choice of when to eat based on their habits and comfort level, we let them control of who and when they eat. Rushing through meals is unhealthy at any age, but those who suffer from conditions such as Parkinson’s or Huntington’s can be particularly damaging. Having open seating and allowing a resident who needs more time the ability to take that time without bringing attention to it can mean the difference between someone coming down to the meal or reclusing in their room.

Presentation matters

For residents who need pureed food, a messy glob of goo on a plate is not only unappetizing but embarrassing. Here at Summerset, we have special pureed food molds that transform the unappetizing goo back into the original form of the food they are eating. Trunkey and carrots go back to looking like turkey and carrots. This additional step in presentation not only allows a resident who is on a pureed diet the ability to save face when eating with others, but it stimulates the appetite by giving them something visually enticing to see.

Tools to help

Providing the best dining experience means looking beyond just the looks but focus on the functionality as well. Thing such as plates with a raised edge can help those who are struggling with mobility more control while eating. Having silverware with handles or weights can help those who suffer from tremors gain more control. The colored plate can help those who suffer from macular degeneration. Having this type of equipment available to our residents when needed and greatly enhance their dining experience.

Help with feeding

For some, there comes a time when help eating becomes necessary. Here in adaptive care, we offer that as one of our services.

Our Staff

Caring for our residents with compassion and empathy is a vital cornerstone of the Summerset training.

Our Reflections program helps Bridge the gap between our Assisted Living, Adaptive Care, and Memory Care residents by bringing them together for engaging activities and opportunities for socialization based on cognitive abilities. Giving residents a vibrant and active world in which to participate in based on their levels of interests and skills.

• Residents who live in Memory Care who are higher functioning can participate in more challenging activities with peers who are similar in cognitive abilities.
• Residents who live in assisted living with short-term memory loss or mild cognitive impairment can participate in activities appropriate for their cognitive abilities that are not overwhelming.
• Residents who live in Adaptive care are welcome to go and spend time in our sister building for activities and events that interest them allowing them the best of both worlds.

By providing activities that meet our residents where they are cognitively and socially, regardless of which village they live in, we add just one more layer to our commitment of personalized care that adapts to their needs.