Halloween is just a week away, and then the holiday season really begins. Seeking out every opportunity to promote socialization at meals is important when working with the elderly.  Many, or even most, residents have only fair to moderate appetites.  With decreases in smell, sight, chewing and self-feeding ability, good to excellent meal consumption is usually not achieved.  How many times have you observed or been told, "Oh, the residents eat so well at a holiday or outdoor meal."  Often the food is not different, so what is promoting increased meal intake?  Special meals are accompanied by enthusiasm, social interaction, reminiscing of past celebrations and colorful decorations. 

 

In many cases, such as an outdoor Hawaiian Luau, the way a meal is served is even different as volunteers and activity personnel assist to make the meal more festive and fun.  All of this activity, variety, energy, and excitement stimulates and increases a resident's appetite resulting in good to excellent meal consumption.