A food focus group is a formal way of working with residents to get their input into menus and the dining experience. They are sometimes called a resident food committee.
The groups are usually made up of residents and their representatives, and sometimes staff members. Groups meet to discuss issues around food and dining in the aged care home. Resident members of the group can:
- decide what format the meeting has
- lead the meeting
- put together meeting agendas and minutes.
A food focus group creates a communication channel between residents and the provider. The group supports residents to give their opinions on the design of menus and their dining experience. They help encourage residents to have choice and make decisions about their food.
They are a great way to improve and innovate the services you deliver.
What does a food focus group do?
A food focus group can:
- plan menus and give input into developing menus
- taste new menu items, including those that residents have suggested
- discuss ways to improve the dining experience (atmosphere, choice of crockery, cutlery and table linen, decoration)
- turn residents’ food and dining complaints into practical actions and changes
- organise special events
- develop resident food surveys and help design comment cards to get feedback
- review feedback and what’s being done to improve residents’ dining experience
- support a culture of feedback and change
- have a ‘food champion’ or ‘dining room ambassador’ who supervises the food service in the dining areas. As well as talking with residents about their mealtime experience and sharing feedback with the management team
- get feedback from other residents not in the group and work together to come up with solutions.
Benefits of a food focus group
An effective food focus group:
- supports open communication between residents and food service, clinical and other staff as well as management
- encourages residents, staff and the provider to collaborate
- creates a safe, respectful and positive environment where the provider and staff are happy to hear people’s concerns, and welcome residents’ input and feedback
- helps residents to have a voice about their experience
- is a way for all residents to provide ideas and feedback
- develops an agreement for making decisions
- creates a list of activities to keep improving the service (even little changes can make a big difference)
- gives residents an opportunity to work with each other and staff members in a meaningful way.
Reporting on the group’s actions and how well they worked helps create a culture of improvement. It gives residents confidence that the provider is willing to listen.
It’s important to work on areas where there are issues but also make sure the group celebrates success. This keeps people motivated and improves everyone’s experience.
Resources
Fact sheet – Setting up a food focus group
Checklist – Effective food focus group
