Take back the dining room

The very first step to changing the culture of eating, and dining in a nursing home setting is to realize that the dining room is a dining room. It is not the activities center, it is not the chapel, it is not the tv room, it is not the host of so many other things that over time have turned the dining area into whatever every one else wants it to be, and oh, by the way lets herd our residents in there for 20 minutes so they can eat. Sound familiar. Don't lie, you know this is, or has been the way your home works. Take a deep breath and start to take back the dining room. Now don't be obnoxious about it. Your dining room was stolen from you over time. So over time steal it back. First step, set up a culture change dining room commitee. Involve all of the key people. Administration, (they will love it) nursing, (they will embrace it) social services, (they love everything) and activities, (could be your toughest sell). Because in many homes space is at such a premium, the activities departments tend to use the dining room for so many of thier events. It is the only area large enough to host a group.