Culturally Inclusive Menu Planning in Long-term Care

Unmet food preferences result in meal dissatisfaction and is a significant risk factor for decreased intake of food and fluids in culturally diverse older adults residing in long-term care (LTC) homes. Food choices are based on traditional, religious, and personal taste that is part of an individual’s culture. Menu planning practices need to be culturally inclusive for the growing diverse older adult population within LTC homes in Canada. The intern will determine gaps in knowledge and training needs
of menu planners, determine resident and family perspectives on the challenges of attaining culturally inclusive foods, and develop and evaluate an on-line educational module for foodservice managers and dietitians on creating culturally inclusive menus. The partner organization will gain experience in developing educational material directed to cultural inclusivity in LTC and have access to a quality LTC education module that promotes meeting resident cultural food preferences and improving their quality of life.

Faculty Supervisor:

Heather Keller

Student:

Partner:

Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Waterloo

Program: