Collect, track and report on feedback
Resident
feedback provides practical insight into what is working well and where
improvements can be made across meal quality, presentation, and service.
Feedback can be gathered through regular surveys, informal conversations,
suggestion boxes, or menu acceptance studies, helping to identify patterns that
contribute to plate waste or dissatisfaction. Variation in collection methods
helps ensure all residents, including those with cognitive or physical
impairments, have input. It also helps prevent feedback
fatigue for both staff and residents.
Tracking
feedback is critical. Maintaining a simple feedback register allows for issues,
suggestions, and compliments to be recorded alongside agreed actions and
responsibilities. This helps ensure feedback is not lost, repeatedly raised, or
addressed inconsistently.
Closing
the feedback loop is essential. Reporting back to residents on what has changed
— and why — builds trust, reinforces that feedback is valued, and encourages
ongoing engagement. Sharing outcomes with staff through meetings, noticeboards,
or newsletters also supports teamwork and accountability.
When
feedback is collected, acted on, and communicated clearly, mealtimes become
more responsive, efficient, and sustainable for both residents and staff.
Suggested steps for action:
- Consider creating an implementation plan
with key staff
- Discuss changes with staff to ensure they
understand what changes are happening and why
- Determine how and when you will collect
feedback from residents, and who will be responsible for facilitating this
- Collect feedback
- Record feedback
- Respond to feedback
- Report back to residents and staff on how
feedback has been responded to
- Monitor plate and
serving waste to help determine the impact of the intervention
Resources to support implementation: