At Alavida Lifestyles, we believe that dining is more than just a meal – it’s an experience that brings people together and enhances the quality of life for our residents. Our unique approach to dining sets us apart from other retirement communities and nursing homes, as we actively involve our residents in the culinary process. Here’s how we create a truly special dining experience at Alavida:
Resident-Driven Menu Planning
One of the most distinctive features of our dining program is the collaboration between residents and our culinary team. The food committee at Alavida Lifestyles meets monthly and includes five resident members, the general manager, and the dining service manager. Together, they collaborate to enhance the dining experience by suggesting new dishes, providing feedback on current offerings, and discussing preferences and overall likes and dislikes. The committee reviews and updates a 5-week rotating menu, incorporating fresh, seasonal ingredients and resident recipe suggestions to keep meals exciting and varied. This ensures that our menus reflect the tastes, preferences and dietary needs of the hundreds of residents across our communities, making each meal a personalized experience.
Special Dietary Accommodations
Our dining staff works closely with both independent living and assisted living residents and their families to accommodate special dietary needs and preferences. Upon admission to the retirement community or senior suites, our dining service manager meets with residents and their families to understand their dietary requirements. Whether it’s gluten-free, lactose intolerance, low-sodium, or vegetarian options, we ensure that every resident can enjoy delicious and nutritious meals tailored to their needs. Sometimes, we collaborate with dieticians or swallowing specialists to further tailor these needs, ensuring comprehensive and personalized dietary care.
Flexible Dining Options
We understand that everyone has different dining preferences and schedules. That’s why we offer various dining venues, including:
- A fine-dining main restaurant
- A cozy bistro for casual meals and snacks
- Private dining rooms for special occasions or family gatherings
- Tray service in suite
This variety allows residents to choose the dining experience that suits their mood and needs each day.
Fresh Ingredients
Our chefs are dedicated to using fresh, seasonal ingredients whenever possible, and some of our locations even feature a small herb garden to ensure the highest quality meals. Our newest chef from Promenade aims to implement a restaurant-style approach focused on scratch cooking, moving away from the institutionalized dining experiences often found in nursing homes and other senior care facilities. This is important for two main reasons: it promotes healthier, less processed meals with reduced sodium, which benefits residents’ health, and it significantly enhances the overall quality of the dining experience.
Special Celebrations
Every month, we celebrate our residents’ birthdays with a festive dining experience. Our culinary team prepares a special meal, each celebrant receives a rose, and live entertainment adds to the joyful atmosphere. These celebrations foster community spirit and make every resident feel valued on their special day.
Cooking Demonstrations and Classes
To further involve our residents in the culinary experience, we host cooking demonstrations, baking activities and classes. These events allow residents to learn new recipes, cooking techniques, and nutritional information directly from our skilled chefs. It’s a fun, interactive way to stay engaged and continue learning.
Seasonal and Holiday Celebrations
We love to celebrate the changing seasons and holidays through our dining program. Residents collaborate with our staff to plan special menus and themed events throughout the year, from summer barbecues to festive holiday feasts. These celebrations bring the community together and create lasting memories.
The Grand Piano Experience
Some of our dining rooms feature a grand piano, adding a touch of elegance and entertainment to mealtimes. This also serves as a fun activity for seniors, as residents often enjoy impromptu sing-alongs, creating a lively and social atmosphere that enhances their dining experience.
Continuous Improvement Through Feedback
We value open communication between our residents and dining staff. We ensure ongoing dialogue so that our dining program evolves with the changing needs and preferences of our community.
At Alavida Lifestyles, we believe that our unique approach to dining – one that actively involves and values resident input – contributes significantly to the overall quality of life in our senior living communities. It’s not just about serving meals; it’s about creating a warm, engaging environment where residents can savour good food, enjoy great company, and feel truly at home.