Senior living community offers inclusive Thanksgiving dinner

Thanksgiving is a holiday that centers around food. But for people living with cognitive, neuromuscular and physical challenges – such as Alzheimer’s, dementia or Parkinson’s – enjoying a traditional Thanksgiving meal is not always possible because of their difficulties using a knife and fork. The Glades at ChampionsGate is hoping to change that.

The senior living community will prepare a traditional Thanksgiving meal that is accessible to all residents using its revolutionary Gourmet Bites Cuisine. This dining program takes everyday meals and transforms them into one- and two-bite hors d’oeuvres that are intended to be eaten by hand. These protein-packed “bites” allow residents to eat independently and enjoy the same nutritious – and nostalgic – meal as their neighbors and family.

“There are so many tastes and smells that we associate with Thanksgiving, and for someone living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, these can trigger wonderful memories,” said Heather Corton, Executive Director of The Glades at ChampionsGate. “We’re so thrilled that we’re able to offer residents a way to enjoy the holiday with their family and maintain their independence at the dinner table.”

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, an estimated 6.7 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s. Approximately half a million Americans are living with Parkinson’s. When you consider the number of seniors who have suffered a stroke or physical injury, it adds up to an extraordinary number of older Americans who have difficulty using a knife and fork.

Oftentimes, seniors with difficulties eating need help from a caregiver during mealtime, or they are placed on a “finger food” diet. This has historically consisted of chicken nuggets, fish sticks and other processed foods. Gourmet Bites Cuisine offers the same nutritious and delicious meals from the main dining menu, while being more accessible to residents with cognitive, neuromuscular and physical challenges.

“When we’re talking about someone who is living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, there’s so much more to think about than their memories,” said Carryl Knight, Memory Care Director at The Glades at ChampionsGate. “It’s important to support the whole person and help them maintain a healthy weight and nutritional diet. Offering ways they can maintain their independence also brings back the dignity to mealtime.”

Gourmet Bites Cuisine is unique to Watermark Retirement Communities, which manages The Glades at ChampionsGate. Watermark Chefs start by using the innovative Grind Dining process of grinding, combining and preparing the cooked foods on that day's menu in a unique way that retains their taste, texture, nutrition and flavor. They then beautifully present the same meal as a handheld dish – oftentimes as an eggroll, empanada, meatball or similar preparation.

To invigorate the senses and enhance mealtime, each Gourmet Bites Cuisine meal service also includes aromatic rooms, warm lavender-infused hand towels and citrus sorbet. This routine is orchestrated to indicate that a meal is about to begin. Gourmet Bites Cuisine is offered daily to residents who need it, and those who prefer it.

“We have residents who enjoy Gourmet Bites Cuisine every day,” said Corton. “They love it, and their family members love it because they can come and enjoy a meal with mom or dad without worrying about them eating. It’s just one way we’re supporting our residents and helping them thrive.”

The Glades at ChampionsGate will serve Thanksgiving dinner to residents using the Gourmet Bites Cuisine preparation. A traditional dinner will also be served.

About The Glades at ChampionsGate

Located in ChampionsGate, Fla., The Glades at Champions Gate is a 223-apartment independent, assisted living and memory care community located at 8400 Champions Gate Blvd. Amenities include a fitness center, movie theater, swimming pool, and four unique dining venues, as well as award-winning programming through Watermark University. Managed by Watermark Retirement Communities, The Glades at ChampionsGate is committed to creating an extraordinary and innovative community where people thrive. For more information, visit https://championsgate.watermarkcommunities.com.

About Watermark Retirement Communities®

Watermark creates extraordinary and innovative communities where people thrive. We believe aging is about renewal rather than retirement. Watermark communities are known for highly trained and caring associates, a lifestyle built on choice, fine amenities, integrative wellness and innovative programs including the award-winning Watermark University featuring a wide variety of engaging classes for residents and area seniors. Watermark has been named in the top 25 Best Workplaces for Aging Services™ in a national program conducted by the Great Place to Work® Institute and published on Fortune.com. Based in Tucson AZ, Watermark is a privately held company with a reputation for over 30 years for service, innovation, integrity and financial stability, and manages more than 65 retirement communities in 21 states coast to coast. Visit watermarkcommunities.com for more information