Rose Tree Place Introduces Revolutionary “THRIVE DINING™” for Individuals with Cognitive or Physical Challenges

Rose Tree Place in Media, Pa., a Watermark Retirement Community, recently hosted a series of complimentary public tastings of its Thrive Dining menu items. Rose Tree Place is the first senior living and personal care community in Delaware County, and one of only five communities in the Greater Philadelphia area, to offer Thrive Dining to help restore the dignity, nutrition and enjoyment of mealtime for individuals with cognitive, neuromuscular or physical challenges, who have difficulty using a knife and fork.

Thrive Dining features Watermark Retirement Communities’ Chef recipes transformed into delicious, nutritionally balanced, “finger food” meals. Watermark Chefs start by using the innovative Grind Dining process of grinding, combining and preparing the cooked foods on that day’s traditional meal menu in a unique way that retains their taste, texture, nutrition and flavor. They then present the same meal served as one-bite and two-bite hors d’oeuvres, intended to be eaten by hand, so that every individual is empowered to thoroughly enjoy their fresh meal without assistance, and without a diet relegated to chicken nuggets, fish sticks and other processed foods.

“We began introducing Thrive Dining to residents last year, and we have found that it promotes a healthy appetite, guards against unintentional weight loss and significantly enhances the dining experience for those with cognitive or physical challenges and for their loved ones who visit to share meals,” said Rose Tree Place Executive Director Cynthia Evans.

Rose Tree Place’s complimentary public tastings of Thrive Dining menu options took place in May, June and July to introduce the dining concept to healthcare professionals, caregivers and family members with loved ones who are cognitively or physically challenged. Rose Tree Place Executive Chef Jimmy Guzman led the tastings, preparing menu items ranging from a cheesesteak to tilapia with rice and even a chef salad – all of which could be eaten by hand.

"This is a far better option than pureed food,” said Joanna Kelly, a representative with VITAS who attended the July tasting at Rose Tree Place. "It's great to know that the community offers this as I come in contact with individuals who may benefit from this style of dining."

For more information about Thrive Dining at Rose Tree Place, visit www.watermarkcommunities.com/RoseTreePlace, or to schedule a tour, call 610-616-5162.

ABOUT ROSE TREE PLACE
Located at 500 Sandy Bank Road, Rose Tree Place retirement community of Media, Pa., serves up to 131 residents, with levels of care including Personal Care and Memory Care. For more information, visit www.watermarkcommunities.com/RoseTreePlace or call 610-616-5162.

ABOUT WATERMARK RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES INC.
In 2016, Watermark Retirement Communities Inc. was ranked 16th in the nation by the American Seniors Housing Association. Watermark’s commitment to creating extraordinary communities where people thrive dates back 30 years. Watermark manages 50 retirement communities coast to coast. Visit www.watermarkcommunities.com for more information.

Photo Captions:
Food Comparison: Rose Tree Place shows their traditional meals in comparison with their Thrive Dining versions, which can all be eaten by hand.

Presentation: Rose Tree Place Executive Chef Jimmy Guzman presents how traditional dishes can be turned into Thrive Dining dishes to guests attending a public tasting of Thrive Dining meals.