If your loved one is living in an assisted living situation, you are likely eager to make them as relaxed and comfortable as possible. A way for them to feel at ease in their new home can involve bringing them food they like. Therefore, many families ask, “Am I allowed to bring my own food to my family member?” While many care facilities do allow this, it’s crucial to check with staff beforehand to avoid any unintended consequences.

The Benefits of Bringing Food to Your Loved One

Bringing your senior one of their favorite home-cooked meals or tasty snacks can give them a feeling of familiarity and comfort. By sharing a favorite dessert or meal they were fond of during childhood, you can help improve their mental well-being and bring up positive memories. This can be particularly true for residents who have particular religious or cultural eating practices, helping them enjoy a culinary experience in line with their legacy and tradition.

What Food Should I Bring?

Well-established care facilities have policies for bringing in outside food. This keeps residents free from threats to their health or safety, and they can receive nutrition in accordance with their dietary needs. By speaking with the social worker or dietary team at your loved one’s facility, you can make sure any food you bring complies with the facility’s rules and requirements.

After talking with your loved one’s care team, if it is permissible to bring food, it can be beneficial to prepare familiar, nutritious, and easily digestible foods. This includes food items like broths or light soups, yogurt, crackers, and soft vegetables and fruits. If it’s relevant to your situation, consider taking them traditional or cultural family meals.

Before bringing anything in, make sure the food matches your loved one’s dietary plan. For example, if they have difficulties with swallowing, you should avoid giving them food that is hard to chew or digest. If they have certain dietary needs (for example, being diabetic), you may need to make sure any food you prepare does not spike their blood sugar.

How Should I Package and Deliver the Food?

When bringing food to your loved one, it’s important to properly package it. Clearly label the containers, and make sure they are airtight so the food can stay fresher for longer. Avoid any containers that have holes or broken seals, as this could lead to contamination.

If you are delivering a meal, you should include a clear list of ingredients on the packaging, especially if you think there may be any potential allergens. By frequently communicating with staff, you can be sure the food is safely stored and that it is properly prepared by the facility’s staff.

When You Should Not Bring Outside Food

Depending on the care facility, it may sometimes not be advisable to bring outside food. If residents have a compromised immune system, significant allergies, or dietary restrictions, they may need to avoid certain food items. Furthermore, if an assisted living facility already has robust meal programs that address your relative’s dietary needs and preferences, this may make it redundant to prepare outside food.

Collaborating with the staff at your loved one’s care facility can make sure they receive nutritious and delicious food that meets their needs.

FAQs

Q: Can I Bring Food to My Family Member in a Care Facility?

A: Yes, you can bring food to your family member in an assisted living facility. However, it is important to check with staff members about the facility’s policy. Before preparing any food, be sure to ask the staff first. This can make sure the food you give your family member complies with any dietary restrictions they may have as well as guidelines for health and safety.

Q: What Types of Food Are Generally Allowed?

A: The types of food that are generally allowed to be brought into care facilities include home-cooked meals, soft snacks, and non-perishable items. It’s important to first check that any food you are taking to your loved one aligns with the dietary plan of the resident as well as health and safety guidelines for the facility.

Q: Are There Restrictions on Bringing Food?

A: Yes, there may be restrictions on bringing food to your family member in an assisted living facility. Restrictions could include foods that can easily spoil, those with allergens, or any that do not align with the dietary or medical needs of the resident. By working closely with the care team in charge of your loved one, you can know which food items may not be permissible or encouraged.

Q: Should I Notify the Facility Before Bringing Food?

A: As a general rule, you should notify the assisted living facility’s staff before bringing any food from outside to your loved one. By collaborating with the care team, you can make sure the food is appropriate for their dietary plan and conducive to your loved one’s well-being. You can also ensure regulatory compliance and prevent any conflicts with other meals that have been scheduled.

Q: Can I Bring Homemade Meals?

A: Yes, you can likely bring homemade meals to your loved one in a care facility. This can encourage mental well-being as well as induce positive memories for your loved one. It is, however, highly encouraged that you confirm it with the staff and check that the homemade meals meet all dietary restrictions or requirements. By working with a care home that has nutritious and delicious meals, you can save yourself the stress of having to cook for your loved one.

Let’s Create a Nutritious and Invigorating Meal Plan for Your Loved One Together

At Rocky Mountain Assisted Living, our proactive care team believes that nutrition is a key component of a healthy and proactive life. Therefore, we prioritize the culinary experience, making sure your loved one receives a tailored meal plan that meets their dietary needs and preferences. Together, we can work to provide your family member with nutrition that feeds their mind, body, and soul. Contact us today so we can start planning.