Two lucky diners are picked each day to enjoy the great view from the lounge and a quiet setting for their dinner four times a week at the long-term care home in Peterborough. It's an initiative of Life Enrichment Co-ordinator (LEC) Sherry Baldwin called 'Two Can Dine,' a chance for two residents to have a quiet dinner away from the hub of the main dining room.

The program has gained momentum since it began in October, says Sherry, with residents enjoying the extra attention. One life enrichment department staff member is also there with the two residents, says Sherry, and the two residents are chosen for their compatibility on some level. For instance, two friends may be chosen to dine together, she says.

"We don't exclude anyone," says the LEC, including those residents who need assistance with their meals. "It's important everyone can be a part of this," she adds.

Although it hasn't happened yet, she says it would also work if a resident wanted to dine with his or her spouse who lived outside the home.

Special placemats, a vase and flowers are placed on the table and residents often ask the life enrichment staff member to join them, says Sherry. Residents dine from 4:45 p.m. to 6 p.m., a leisurely-paced dinner, she says. They can spend time in conversation with each other and with the LEC staff. "It's a nice change for staff, too, so it works for everyone."

Sherry has also found that many residents who frequently do not eat well have had much better food intake when they are a part of this program.