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Does Assisted Living Include Meals?

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A pair of seniors happily enjoying a meal together, sharing conversation and companionship.

When people consider assisted living, one of their most common questions is whether meals are included. In most cases, the answer is yes—assisted living communities provide daily meals as part of their overall care package.

Exact offerings can vary depending on the community. Still, most communities, like Peregrine Senior Living at The Athenaeum, include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all prepared with the dietary needs of residents in mind. These meals are designed to ensure that residents get the proper nutrition they need while enjoying a social dining experience.

Meal plans are an important part of promoting a healthy diet and creating a strong sense of community. Whether it’s dining with new friends or receiving assistance with meals, the food provided plays a significant role in daily life. 

Different Meal Plans at Assisted Living Communities

Assisted living communities, including Peregrine Senior Living at The Athenaeum, provide a range of meal plans to suit the diverse needs and tastes of their residents. These plans usually fall into three categories:

  • Full-service
  • Partial-service
  • A la carte

Full-Service

Full-service meal plans include all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) provided by the community’s dining services. They’re perfect for seniors who’d rather not cook or have trouble preparing food due to physical constraints.

Partial-Service

Partial-service meal plans offer a fixed number of meals per day or week. For instance, a community may provide breakfast and dinner to residents, leaving lunch up to them. This type of plan allows for more flexibility while still offering some meal preparation assistance.

A la Carte

A la carte meal plans let residents select which meals they’d like to purchase from our dining services. This option is ideal for independent seniors who can prepare most of their own meals but occasionally want to dine with others or take a cooking break.

Do Assisted Living Communities Offer Snacks or Beverages?

Yes, most assisted living communities offer snacks and beverages as part of their services. Doing so helps ensure that residents feel comfortable and supported. These refreshments are often available in common areas, such as lounges or dining rooms.

The selection can include healthy options such as fruit, yogurt, or crackers, as well as beverages like tea, coffee, and water. Providing accessible snacks not only supports nutritional needs but also fosters a warm and welcoming environment where residents can socialize and relax.

Advantages of Meal Plans

A group of seniors enjoying a healthy lunch together at an assisted living community, sharing conversation and laughter.

Access to varied meal plans significantly benefits seniors living independently in a community setting. Let’s look at some advantages of participating in meal plans:

Healthy & Balanced Meals

Our communities have skilled chefs who craft menus specifically designed to meet seniors’ nutritional requirements. This assures residents receive proper nourishment and can maintain a balanced diet.

Socializing

Sharing meals together is an important aspect of human interaction that’s often missing for seniors living alone. Meal plans offer regular opportunities for residents to gather, exchange stories, and build friendships over a meal.

Convenience

Meal plans remove the need for grocery shopping, meal planning, and cooking, freeing seniors to pursue other activities or hobbies.

Cost Effectiveness

Assisted living communities often offer meal plans that are more affordable than eating out every day. Residents can also save on grocery money.

Variety

Different meal plans allow residents to enjoy a range of cuisines and dishes without the fuss of cooking. This prevents meal boredom and opens up new flavor experiences.

Special Dietary Needs

Assisted living communities, like Peregrine Senior Living at Salisbury, acknowledge the importance of catering to special dietary needs and restrictions. That’s why we offer vegetarian, gluten-free, and low-sodium diet options.

The Next Step: Transitioning to Assisted Living

Participating in meal plans is just one of the many benefits of transitioning to an assisted living community. Here are a few other perks seniors can enjoy:

Hassle-Free Living

Seniors can say goodbye to home maintenance chores like gardening, housekeeping, or repairs. Instead, they can focus on enjoying their hobbies and interests.

Safety & Security

Assisted living communities often have security measures like secure entry systems and access to staff in emergencies, offering peace of mind to residents and their families.

Active Lifestyle

Many Assisted living communities promote an active lifestyle and social interaction among residents through exercise classes, group outings, and hobby clubs.

Supportive Community

Transitioning to a senior living community enables seniors to be surrounded by peers in a similar stage of life. This sense of community can offer emotional support and companionship to those who may have previously lived alone.

Nurturing Senior Living with Peregrine Senior Living

Meals are more than just an essential part of daily life in assisted living, offering comfort, connection, and personalized care. Whether your loved one needs dietary accommodations or simply enjoys the social aspect of shared meals, a well-rounded dining program can make all the difference.

If you’re exploring assisted living options and want to learn more about meal services, dining plans, and overall care, Peregrine Senior Living at The Athenaeum is here to help. Contact us today to see how we can support your loved one’s needs.

Services, Events, & Dining Experiences

We strive to serve each resident who calls our community home with meaningful experiences and person-centered care. From innovative services to personalized dining options, we’re here to meet your loved one’s unique needs.

Our Services & Amenities

Our services and amenities are designed to nurture connection, happiness, and comfort. Our residents can spend time with friends in comfortable shared spaces or relax in a beautiful apartment. Our community truly feels like home.

Our Events & Activities

Our events and activities are curated to be safe, inclusive experiences that help our residents make the most of every moment. Our community events include hobby classes, a wide array of organized activities, and regularly scheduled group outings.

Our Restaurant-Style Dining

Our restaurant-style dining features a range of delightful and nutritious meals crafted by our culinary staff. We celebrate each resident’s journey through food and serve residents their favorite dishes.

Visit Peregrine Senior Living Today

Find us among the peaceful surroundings of Lakeview Circle on Route 20 in this culturally and historically rich community.

Our Queen Anne historic building is located just outside the idyllic center of the lakeside Village of Skaneateles.

Visitors are always welcome.

Our Address

  • 150 East Genesee St.
  • Skaneateles, NY 13152

Contact Information

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Continuing to post some of our favorite pics from National Assisted Living Week. Twin Day! ... See MoreSee Less

Continuing to post some of our favorite pics from National Assisted Living Week.  Twin Day!Image attachmentImage attachment+1Image attachment

The celebrations for National assisted Living Week continue with a staff cook-off on hat day! Thank you to the staff who put their chef hats on, lots of food and laughs! Congratulations to the winners, Marti for your fabulous cream cheese enchilada dish and Olivia. You can’t go wrong with homemade macaroni & cheese, it melts everyone’s hearts.
Runners up included Kelci’s chicken wing dip, David’s potato soup and Marcia’s cheesecak with homemade cherry topping.
... See MoreSee Less

The celebrations for National assisted Living Week continue with a staff cook-off on hat day! Thank you to the staff who put their chef hats on, lots of food and laughs! Congratulations to the winners, Marti for your fabulous cream cheese enchilada dish and Olivia. You can’t go wrong with homemade macaroni & cheese, it melts everyone’s hearts. 
Runners up included Kelci’s chicken wing dip, David’s potato soup and Marcia’s cheesecak with homemade cherry topping.Image attachmentImage attachment+3Image attachment
5 days ago

Classic Car showSep 12, 4:00pmThe Athenaeum of SkaneatelesDon’t forget to come visit us today! Come and get a chance to win a $100 gift card to the Sherwood! ... See MoreSee Less

Classic Car show

We could not have asked for more beautiful weather to celebrate National Assisted Living Week. Our Surprise outing turned out to be Montezuma Wildlife refuge. With 3 days of clues, our group was able to figure it out. We saw enough wildlife to convince us we want to go back for more! ... See MoreSee Less

We could not have asked for more beautiful weather to celebrate National Assisted Living Week. Our Surprise outing turned out to be Montezuma Wildlife refuge. With 3 days of clues, our group was able to figure it out. We saw enough wildlife to convince us we want to go back for more!Image attachmentImage attachment+Image attachment

It's a time to honor the courage and unity shown in the face of adversity.

Let's take a moment to cherish our loved ones and the connections that strengthen us as a community.

peregrineathenaeum.com/
... See MoreSee Less

Its a time to honor the courage and unity shown in the face of adversity. 

Lets take a moment to cherish our loved ones and the connections that strengthen us as a community. 

https://peregrineathenaeum.com/

You can’t have a camp fire without your flannel. Monday was a fun filled day, celebrating National Assisted Living Week with smores, flannel and bingo with friends! Thanks to all our local buddies for stopping by for some bingo! ... See MoreSee Less

You can’t have a camp fire without your flannel.  Monday was a fun filled day, celebrating National Assisted Living Week with smores, flannel and bingo with friends! Thanks to all our local buddies for stopping by for some bingo!Image attachmentImage attachment+Image attachment

Thank you to all our friends and family who came out yesterday to celebrate Grandparent’s Day and the beginning of National Assisted Living Week. We have a week planned full of fun programming, staff appreciation and even a surprise outing to a very special place.
Join us for our finale on Friday, September 12th from 4-6pm for an Antique Car Show.
Happy Grandaprent’s Day to all those special people making the world a better place.
... See MoreSee Less

Thank you to all our friends and family who came out yesterday to celebrate Grandparent’s Day and the beginning of National Assisted Living Week. We have a week planned full of fun programming, staff appreciation and even a surprise outing to a very special place. 
Join us for our finale on Friday, September 12th from 4-6pm for an Antique Car Show. 
Happy Grandaprent’s Day to all those special people making the world a better place.Image attachmentImage attachment+2Image attachment
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