Agree with posters above. These typically are inspected facilities and the residents or others are not permitted in the kitchen. There is usually a coffee/beverage area where snacks and beverages are available to the residents. There may even be a microwave. Some have cabinets that a resident can lock and have access too. Depends on the set up.
I for one would not want anyone who is not certifed safe-serve or food professional in a kitchen that serves elders, children, immuno-compromised individuals -- it is too risky as they can be unclean, mishandle, cross-contaminate, allergen exposure, etc. The smallest contamination my give us a minor belly upset; but could be serious risk or even fatal to others.
I hope all of us readers will consider and report (to director) when we see such a violation. Hopefully the kitchen/prep areas are locked off to residents/outsiders when unattended.
my mother was in an assisted living facilility in Illinois and each wing had a small kitchen area with a microwave, refrigerator,and snacks. She allowed to store food in the refrigerator and prepare snacks.
You need to ask the front office at the AL what is allowed.
Most facilities - whether it is a school, or AL or NH - will be state required to have strict limitations on anyone that is not "safe-serve" approved or certified from being able to be in any area in which food will be prepared or made. It is a big liability for the facility to allow anyone (resident or residents family) just to go about the kitchen at will.
Most facilites will instead have a canteen area in which there is an ice chest with ice and pitchers for water and vending machines for snacks. My mom's NH has a counter in the dining room that 24/7 has a box of saltines, a couple of loaves of bread & those twirling stacks of jelly and honey. Disposable plastic flatware. No peanut butter. Straws and napkins and baby-wipes. For anyone to use.
Your parent may be able to have a dorm refrigerator in their room. Ask if that can be done. Most won't at all allow for appliances like an electric kettle or toaster.
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I for one would not want anyone who is not certifed safe-serve or food professional in a kitchen that serves elders, children, immuno-compromised individuals -- it is too risky as they can be unclean, mishandle, cross-contaminate, allergen exposure, etc. The smallest contamination my give us a minor belly upset; but could be serious risk or even fatal to others.
I hope all of us readers will consider and report (to director) when we see such a violation. Hopefully the kitchen/prep areas are locked off to residents/outsiders when unattended.
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Most facilities - whether it is a school, or AL or NH - will be state required to have strict limitations on anyone that is not "safe-serve" approved or certified from being able to be in any area in which food will be prepared or made. It is a big liability for the facility to allow anyone (resident or residents family) just to go about the kitchen at will.
Most facilites will instead have a canteen area in which there is an ice chest with ice and pitchers for water and vending machines for snacks. My mom's NH has a counter in the dining room that 24/7 has a box of saltines, a couple of loaves of bread & those twirling stacks of jelly and honey. Disposable plastic flatware. No peanut butter. Straws and napkins and baby-wipes. For anyone to use.
Your parent may be able to have a dorm refrigerator in their room. Ask if that can be done. Most won't at all allow for appliances like an electric kettle or toaster.