{"product_id":"why-you-cant-dispense-food-like-medicine","title":"Why You Can't Dispense Food Like Medicine","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eDining is about much more than serving nutritious food. For residents, meals are part of the rhythm of each day. They offer a chance to connect with others, feel cared for, and feel at home.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIn \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eWhy You Can’t Dispense Food Like Medicine: How Intentional Staff Relationships Shape Well-Being in Senior Living\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e, Cindy Heilman challenges senior living and post-acute care leaders to think differently about mealtimes. Drawing on 50 years of experience in dining, service, and hospitality, she shows how everyday interactions between residents and staff can influence well-being, satisfaction, retention, and a community’s reputation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eLeaders will find guidance to help them:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin-top: 0in;\" type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;\"\u003eBuild a more person-centered hospitality culture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;\"\u003eHire and train staff with an emphasis on character, civility, and emotional intelligence\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;\"\u003eSet clear, measurable service expectations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;\"\u003eApply the “Three P’s” of service: Personal, Process, and Product\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;\"\u003eUse small details and daily interactions to improve the resident experience\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;\"\u003eAlign leadership, training, and culture to support lasting improvement\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWritten for senior living and post-acute care executives, administrators, dining and nutrition professionals, department leaders, and staff educators, this guide shows how hospitality can become an essential part of quality care and a stronger organization.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003ePublished April 2026\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AHCA\/NCAL Publications","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50604215238881,"sku":"8601","price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0639\/8420\/6049\/files\/WhyYouCantDispense_8601_3D.png?v=1790710104","url":"https:\/\/ahcapublications.org\/products\/why-you-cant-dispense-food-like-medicine","provider":"AHCA\/NCAL Publications","version":"1.0","type":"link"}