When you or a loved one considers moving to a senior living community in Gambrills MD, one question rises to the top: “What's for dinner?” At Arbor Terrace Waugh Chapel, having a top quality mealtime means a lot to us. In fact, we view meals as opportunities for true connection with others, as well as ample nourishment, and genuine enjoyment. This is all thanks to an award-winning dining program that puts health, flavor, and dignity at the center of every plate.
Choosing the right community in Anne Arundel County means finding a place where nutritious, chef-prepared meals support your loved one's wellness while honoring their preferences and independence. Here's what makes dining at Arbor Terrace Waugh Chapel truly exceptional.
Why Nutrition Matters More Than Ever as We Age
As we get older, what we eat directly impacts how we feel, think, and live. Proper nutrition is meant to support whole-body health, but unfortunately, many adults face challenges around eating well at home (including a decreased appetite, slower metabolism, and difficulty preparing balanced meals.
That's where professional dining programs make all the difference. At Arbor Terrace, residents enjoy three chef-prepared meals daily in a beautiful restaurant-style dining room with a stunning wood-beam ceiling. Every dish is thoughtfully crafted to deliver the vitamins, healthy fats, and lean proteins that fuel both body and mind.
Our culinary team understands that healthy doesn't mean bland. Fresh, seasonal ingredients are prepared with care, creating dishes that are both nutritious and flavorful. Whether it's a hearty breakfast to start the day, a light lunch with friends, or a satisfying dinner, every meal is designed to nourish and delight!
Chef-Prepared Meals: More Than Just Food on a Plate
Balanced Nutrition for Vitality and Wellness
The professional chefs at Arbor Terrace bring expertise that goes beyond cooking, where they create menus that support the unique nutritional needs of older adults. Each meal balances lean proteins, whole grains, colorful vegetables, and heart-healthy fats, which helps residents maintain a healthy weight and better overall health.
Research shows that consistent, nutritious meals support cognitive function and reduce the risk of chronic conditions. Our dining program takes this seriously, ensuring every plate contributes to long-term wellness.
Energy That Lasts All Day
Gone are the days of mid-afternoon energy crashes or feeling too tired to enjoy activities. When meals are prepared with fresh ingredients and proper nutrition in mind, residents feel more energized throughout the day. This means more time enjoying our community's fitness classes, social events, or simply relaxing with a good book in the library.
Brain and Heart Health on Every Menu
Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin-rich foods are essential nutrients for maintaining both cognitive function and cardiovascular health. That’s why our culinary team incorporates brain-boosting ingredients like salmon, leafy greens, berries, and nuts into weekly menus.
Dining with Dignity®: Arbor's Award-Winning Approach
One of the most distinctive features of dining at Arbor Terrace Waugh Chapel is our Dining with Dignity® program. This award-winning initiative ensures that every resident can enjoy meals with independence and comfort, regardless of physical or cognitive challenges.
Here's what makes it special: One of our core principles is that everyone deserves to dine with confidence, so we ensure residents who need support have caregivers on hand to provide additional assistance both discreetly and respectfully. Meals are prepared using special techniques that maintain nutritional value while making food easier to enjoy. Dishes are also thoughtfully presented in both appetizing and manageable portions.
This program is especially meaningful for families worried about their loved one's eating habits. You can feel confident knowing professional staff are attentive to nutrition needs while preserving your loved one's dignity at every meal.
Customized for Every Preference and Need
Dietary Accommodations Made Easy
Every person has different tastes, preferences, and health requirements. Which is why we go above and beyond to ensure our dining program accommodates a wide range of dietary needs, including low-sodium, no-sugar, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, pureed meals, and even kosher options.
If your loved one has specific dietary restrictions or simply prefers certain foods, the culinary team works closely with residents and families to create satisfying meal plans. No one should have to compromise on taste or nutrition, and here, they don't have to.
Variety That Keeps Mealtimes Exciting
Nobody wants to eat the same thing every day. That's why menus rotate regularly, offering seasonal favorites and new culinary discoveries. From classic comfort foods to international cuisines, there's always something delicious to look forward to!
Our bistro café provides additional options for casual dining, which is perfect for a mid-morning coffee, a light snack, or a pre-dinner cocktail with friends. This variety ensures residents never feel restricted or bored with their food choices.
Family and Friends Are Always Welcome
Families play an important role in residents' lives, and that extends to mealtimes. Guests are welcome to join meals by purchasing a guest ticket, making it easy to share lunch or dinner together. This creates meaningful opportunities for connection and reassures families that their loved one is thriving in a warm, welcoming environment.
Our Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the meals really prepared by professional chefs?
Yes! Arbor Terrace Waugh Chapel employs skilled chefs who prepare nutritious, restaurant-quality meals daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner using fresh ingredients and thoughtful culinary techniques.
Q: What if my loved one has special dietary needs?
Our culinary team accommodates a wide range of dietary requirements, including low-sodium, diabetic-friendly, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, pureed, and kosher meals. Staff work with residents and families to create satisfying meal plans.
Q: Can I visit and have a meal with my loved one?
Absolutely! Family and friends are welcome to join residents for meals by purchasing a guest ticket. This makes it easy to share lunch or dinner together in the beautiful dining room.
Q: How does chef-prepared dining support healthy eating for seniors?
Professional chefs create balanced menus rich in lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats (all essential for maintaining energy, brain health, and overall wellness as we age).
Q: What is the Dining with Dignity® program?
Dining with Dignity® is The Arbor Company’s award-winning program that uses special preparation techniques to make meals easier to enjoy while maintaining full nutritional value, ensuring every resident can dine with independence and confidence.
Experience the Difference Yourself
If you're exploring senior living options in Gambrills, Crofton, Odenton, or anywhere in Anne Arundel County, you deserve to see (and taste) what makes Arbor Terrace Waugh Chapel special. Here, healthy eating is all about embracing flavorful meals, connecting with friends, and feeling your best every day.
Ready to learn more about how nutrition and chef-prepared meals can enhance your loved one's quality of life? Download our free guide: Eating Healthy as You Age or schedule a personal tour to experience our dining program firsthand.
Let's talk about what matters most to you and your family. Call us today or visit online to discover why families throughout Anne Arundel County trust Arbor Terrace with their loved ones' care.
