CMS and CDPH join with the Coalition in Person-Centered Dining Pilot

The Person-Centered Dining Pilot is assisting twelve homes with the implementation of a dining practice that increases residents' options for what, where, and when they eat. Participating facilities have selected one of five person-directed dining options such as restaurant-style, family style, and/or buffet dining or propose one of their own.

Participants are testing out that practice in their facility for six months while they receive technical support from the California Culture Change Coalition and its regulatory, dietary, and culture-change consultants.

The participating homes were selected from qualified applicants around the state. Selected homes received a written practice concept description, resource lists and regulatory guidance for the specific practice they agreed to implement. They got information from CCCC about implementing change, leadership, staff empowerment and other foundational knowledge related to culture change.

In return, participating homes are documenting operational information, such as costs and equipment needs, and tracking certain measures that will help them to evaluate how effective the practice is in increasing resident choice and satisfaction. At the end of the pilot, all "lessons learned" will be complied into a "practice package" description that will be available to anyone who wants to start a similar program in their home.

The project began in January 2008 with an orientation of participating facilities and concludes in October 2008 with the release of the practice packages. For more information, contact Jocelyn Montgomery.