Sensory changes can make mealtimes challenging for older adults, so dietary staff members at the Good Samaritan Society are often on the lookout for ways to spark a new interest in food. 

Among the recipes being served today is a family heirloom from Diane Mann, director of food and nutrition at Good Samaritan Society — De Smet in South Dakota. She won first place in a national contest with balsamic salmon and pears featured in the video below.

The contest was sponsored by the Northwest Pacific Canned Pear Service and Simplified Nutrition Online. Diane says she was excited about winning, but the biggest reward was seeing residents light up when she served them the meal.

Many residents in nursing homes today prefer heavily salted foods, and meat and potatoes type dishes, says Paula Bohlen, dietary consultant for the Good Samaritan Society. As the baby boomers move in, however, she says menus will continue to move toward dishes like Diane's, and increasingly will include more spices and herbs, as that is what younger generations are using to enhance flavors now.

"New menu ideas are imperative as that shift occurs," she says. "These kinds of contests allow our staff to think creatively and actually impact menus."