In honor of National Alzheimer’s Disease Month, The Ashford spotlights a core aspect of our memory care program– the specially designed menu. With a dedicated focus on active senior living lifestyles, we acknowledge the pivotal role that food choices play in the lives of our residents.
An essential aspect of daily life, food takes center stage, growing in significance as we age and becoming increasingly vital for our overall health. Studies have shown strong links between diet and its potential to support memory.
Mealtime at The Ashford is a delicious blend of nutritious food options and opportunities to bring our residents joy through family-style dining. Here, food supports a greater mission to deliver genuine care that enhances the quality of life for all seniors we serve.
Brain-Boosting Nutrients
The link between healthy eating and cognitive function is well-established in the memory care field. Research consistently highlights the impact of nutrients on reinforcing cognitive abilities and slowing decline.
One example is the MIND Diet, a brain-healthy diet developed by experts at Harvard University. The diet has been shown to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The MIND Diet is based on the Mediterranean Diet and the DASH Diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension).
Essential features of this diet include:
- High intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean protein. This includes healthy fats, like olive oil.
- Low intake of saturated fat and cholesterol & added limitations on red meat, sugar and refined carbs.
Another study by Harvard Health recommends five key foods that are linked to brainpower and healthy heart and blood vessels:
- Green, leafy vegetables
- Fatty fish
- Berries
- Tea & coffee
- Walnuts
Our team emphasizes similar nutritionally dense superfoods for residents’ overall health and well-being.
Enhancing Accessibility
For memory care residents, ensuring meal accessibility is crucial. Each of our communities has its own Executive Chef. Meals are served three times daily in our community dining room, with wide-ranging options to suit individual tastes.
We also apply practical adjustments to our residents’ cuisine, like offering boneless chicken and bite-sized sandwiches, making food finger-friendly and easy to consume.
Alzheimer’s can change perceptions of color. For this reason, mealtimes feature red plates, backed by research findings on the impact of color on eating habits.
Likewise, staff carefully monitors residents’ eating habits, preferences and needs. We work to make enjoyable food that is nutritious and appealing.
Community & Wellbeing
We encourage our residents to savor every moment. This includes mealtimes, which we spotlight as daily highlights.
Aligned in many ways with the Alzheimer’s Association’s recommendations for dining, our evidence-based approach aims to provide the highest quality of life and independence possible. Family-style dining for every meal fosters a social environment where residents enjoy nourishing meals alongside meaningful interactions.
Additionally, the team regularly hosts themed dining events promoting active senior living, such as weekly baking therapy and cooking classes. Activities like these allow residents to experience social engagement, practice fine motor skills and improve cognitive function while making brain-healthy treats.
See an example of our weekly activity schedule here.
Life and Dining at The Ashford
At The Ashford, mealtime is just one example of our commitment to translating wellness into all aspects of daily life. By crafting a dining experience that meets the needs and preferences of our residents, we aim to spark joy in every bite and make meals moments of shared community.
If you are looking for memory care that values a genuine home, personalized care and tasty food choices for your loved one, The Ashford might be a great fit. We invite you to select your community of interest here and contact us to learn more.
