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Improving the well-being of residents in care homes by making catering services more flexible with the help of technology

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It was known from previous projects that catering services in retirement and nursing homes are currently strongly geared towards working hours and the presence of employees. With the increasing individualisation of society, it can be assumed that future residents will demand more flexible catering options. It can also be assumed that current food trends will have an impact on care homes, forcing them to create new service offerings.

The aim of this preliminary study was therefore to gain a better understanding of the context of catering and technology in Swiss retirement and nursing homes and to be able to make a better assessment with regard to further research and development projects. The following three questions took centre stage:

  1. What could an ideal, independent and flexible catering system in retirement and nursing homes of the future look like?
  2. How could technological means support the realisation of this vision?
  3. What could be potential obstacles that could prevent the vision from being realised?

To answer the questions, a combination of expert interviews and a survey were conducted and systematically analysed. The objective was achieved: the data collection provided a comprehensive insight and revealed a great need and interest. Various general aspects relating to further research and development needs became apparent. Overall, the need for a professionalisation of catering in retirement and nursing homes became clear.

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