Recap & Recording | Riding the New Wave of Foodservice Technology in Senior Care: Live with iAdvance Senior Care

The future of dining in senior living is here, and it’s being shaped by cutting-edge technology.

In a recent webinar hosted by iAdvance Senior Care, industry leaders:

Jill Kuntz, Division President, CCL Hospitality Group

Jessica Smith, Menu Solutions, US Foods

Ellen Lowre, Vice President of Nutrition, Wellness, and Sustainability, CCL Hospitality Group

Sean Rowe, President & CEO, MealSuite

...went live to talk about how digital solutions and changing expectations are shaking up foodservice operations. From supporting a new generation of team members, to the opportunities that AI will bring, they shared insights on the biggest shifts happening in the industry and how we can “ride the wave” to adapt. Don’t miss the chance to catch up on the conversation and get the highlights:

Riding the Waves of Change in Senior Living

The senior living industry is changing fast, and with it, new challenges and opportunities are reshaping everything. Technology is helping make dining experiences better, and with the right strategy, you can ride the biggest waves like a pro:

1. Rising Resident Expectations

Residents and their “Sandwich Generation” families —those juggling both kids and aging parents—are raising the bar on their expectations. They want transparency, personalization, and experiences that go beyond the basics. Jill Kuntz puts it perfectly: “You roll something out because you expect it to be what you need, but if you don’t check that it’s actually working or that it’s what the residents want, you’re doing yourself a disservice.”

2. Dining Driving Differentiation

Dining isn’t just about food; it’s a chance to stand out and attract new residents. Residents and families today expect variety, creativity and choice. Dining programs can be a signature feature, giving your community the unique edge that drives occupancy.

3. Staffing Challenges: Doing More with Less

With staff turnover a growing challenge, many communities are finding their tech tools aren’t being used properly because new team members aren’t trained. Sean Rowe explains, “You might have rolled something out, but it gets forgotten because the new person doesn’t know it.” This means it’s critical to focus on technology that simplifies processes and is easy to learn – helping teams succeed even with fewer resources.

4. Savvy Gen X Employees

Gen X is shaping the workforce in senior living. They grew up with technology, value career growth, and want clear communication. Ellen Lowre says, “You can never communicate too much.” Keeping all departments in sync is key to retaining this generation and building a thriving, collaborative team. They're also a generation that’s used to instant gratification, multitasking, and very quick feedback. This fast-paced mindset drives their approach to work, making it essential for senior living operations to adapt to their need for efficiency and real-time communication to keep them engaged and motivated.

5. The Power of AI

AI is changing the game—especially in managing supplies and improving efficiency. It can help communities predict needs, cut waste, and keep inventory under control. As Jessica Smith points out, “Technology is coming—whether we like it or not. We need to embrace it and see how it can help us serve our residents better.”

Insights from the Audience

Polls during the event revealed some insightful perspectives from senior living professionals.

We heard what you felt: Many of us are grappling with staffing shortages and inflation, making it essential to streamline operations.

• Biggest Challenges: Communities feel the pressure to do more with less amid staffing shortages and rising costs, highlighting the need for efficiency in operations.
• Where Tech Can Help: Improving order-taking, communication, and managing dietary data. These priorities show just how important tech is to both efficiency and resident satisfaction.

When asked where technology could make the biggest impact...

• Responses were tied between improving taking & communicating orders and managing resident dietary data more efficiently: These insights underline the importance of technology in enhancing both operational efficiency and resident satisfaction.

Tackling the Challenges

Here’s what the panelists suggest to help:

• Simplify and Integrate Tech: Use tools that combine ordering, communication and dietary management. This helps staff work smarter, not harder, and makes everything run smoother.
• Ongoing Training: Keep your team’s skills sharp to get the most out of your tech tools, even if there’s turnover.
• AI for Efficiency: AI helps reduce waste and stay ahead of inflation, making sure resources are used wisely.

Notable Takeaways

• AI in Procurement: AI isn’t just for the future—it’s here now. It can streamline your supply chain, reduce costs, and make sure you’re not wasting food.
• Building Success with Habit Stacking: Start with mastering a few simple processes before adding more. This helps your team stay consistent and successful.
• Avoid the “Paperweight” Effect: If your tech isn’t used, it’s just taking up space. Keep training your team to make sure technology remains a helpful tool.
• Communication is Key: Share updates with everyone—your team and your residents—to make sure everyone’s on the same page.

Final Thoughts

The tech revolution in senior living dining isn’t just about being innovative—it’s about improving lives. With AI, habit stacking, and continuous learning, communities can turn challenges into opportunities. By keeping residents at the center, technology can create environments that exceed expectations.

Change isn’t scary when you have the right tools to make it happen. Click here to schedule a chat with a MealSuite technology expert and learn how you can ride the wave with the right support every step of the way.