The 2020 Census revealed a significant demographic shift in the United States, with Americans aged 65 and older making up 16.8% of the total population. Moreover, the growth rate of this older segment is nearly five times higher than that of the overall population. This trend, especially evident in the period from 2010 to 2020, highlights the increasing need for senior living facilities to accommodate the aging population. However, when examining occupancy trends in senior living communities, it becomes clear that staffing and the stability of the workforce play crucial roles, particularly in relation to hospitality and dining services. This article explores the impact of food service on senior living communities and highlights the emerging trend of outsourcing dining services and staffing solutions to address these challenges.

The Importance of Hospitality and Dining Services:

Senior living communities are not just places of residence; they also serve as communities that provide a wide range of services to meet the needs of their residents. Among these services, dining plays a pivotal role in the overall experience and satisfaction of seniors. Feedback from potential residents has shown that poor food service can dissuade them from choosing a particular community. Thus, a certain standard of hospitality is expected, but many senior living communities struggle to consistently deliver a high-quality dining experience, especially when faced with the prioritization of hiring for other essential roles such as nurses.

The Rise of Outsourced Dining Services and Staffing Solutions:

Recognizing the challenges they face in maintaining excellent culinary and hospitality services, an increasing number of senior living communities are turning to outsourced dining services and staffing solutions. By partnering with reputable hospitality staffing providers, these communities gain access to a pool of qualified talent while saving time and money in the hiring process. These staffing providers employ recruitment tools and strategies to find the best candidates for the job, ensuring that the culinary and hospitality teams are staffed with competent and dedicated professionals.

Finding the Best Hospitality and Culinary Talent:

To secure the most qualified hospitality and culinary talent for senior living communities, there are several avenues to explore:

• Referrals: Leveraging personal and professional networks can lead to connections with individuals who know qualified candidates or have experience with outsourced staffing solutions. This can facilitate valuable introductions and recommendations.
• Culinary Schools: Partnering with culinary schools provides an excellent opportunity to recruit candidates with the necessary technical skills and knowledge to prepare delicious, high-quality meals. Culinary students often possess a strong eagerness to apply their skills in real-world settings, making them valuable additions to the culinary teams in senior living communities.
• Online Job Posting Sites: Platforms like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and others offer comprehensive lists of potential candidates, along with their qualifications. Exploring these avenues broadens the scope of candidate selection and increases the chances of finding the right talent.
• Dining Service Providers: Collaborating with specialized dining service companies can ensure that every aspect of the senior living dining experience is well taken care of. These providers bring with them established systems and processes to guarantee the delivery of top-notch food and service.
• On-Demand Staffing Services: Platforms like GravyWork offer the convenience of quickly and easily connecting senior living communities with qualified culinary talent. These services can provide both full-time and part-time resources tailored to the specific needs of the community. GravyWork, for example, partners with senior living communities in various regions, including the DC, Maryland, Virginia area, and Florida, to deliver reliable, qualified staff committed to their work.

As the aging population continues to grow at an accelerated pace, the demand for senior living facilities is set to rise in the coming years. However, maintaining excellent hospitality and dining services presents a challenge for many communities. Recognizing the importance of food service in attracting and retaining residents, senior living communities are increasingly turning to outsourced dining services and staffing solutions. Ultimately, prioritizing the quality of food and service enhances the overall experience of seniors, ensuring that senior living facilities can meet the evolving needs of this growing demographic.