Challenges in Healthcare Design for Food Services
Emotion is fueled by food. One may probably foresee what emotion will surface when the topic of healthcare is brought up. Healthcare food services have the potential to improve present results, whether they are provided in continuing care retirement communities (CCRC), assisted living, skilled nursing, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, daycare centers, or meals on wheels.
As with any emotional struggle, concentrating on the issue and going deep to find flaws will help you decide what steps to take next to address or contain the issue. The word "limit" is used because, in many cases, medically related restrictions may prevent healthcare consumers from choosing their preferred foods.
I like to start by considering our CCRC and assisted living businesses when I consider our targeted audiences. These programs call for kitchen layouts that resemble a classic table-service eatery with a wide range of food options. To manage dietary needs and get around physical constraints, these designs must be adaptable.
In terms of layout and food service equipment, hospitals and rehabilitation centers are far more difficult to construct than conventional CCRCs or assisted living facilities. The equipment's functionality and design must enable the creation of the perception of meal options by the food service staff. The nutritional needs of patients must also be met by the food service employees, in addition to organizing 12 or more menu spreads, clinical procedures, meal delivery challenges, and related issues.
In the past, skilled nursing institutions have fed patients using hospital-style principles; but, in recent years, they have moved away from this practice by using decentralized buffet-style service programmes that provide residents a greater sense of choice. The terms "country kitchen" and "point of service," to mention just two, are used in the sector. The difficulties in attempting to provide a buffet food idea include the need to feed residents, their frequent desire to eat in their rooms, and the lack of employees. Because it is uncommon for skilled facilities to have the financial resources to hire additional employees for meal service, a food service design must maximize staff optimization.
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