All posts tagged: "food and dining"

During the month of October, specifically the week of October 6^th – 12^th, Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home recognizes and shows appreciation to our food and dietary service team for Healthcare Food Service Week. Food preparation is paramount in a senior living community requiring 3 daily meals for residents with various dietary needs in 4 different dining halls and ongoing events or catering needs. Sue Iverson, head of OLA’s Dietary Department, describes how she and her team meet these needs while keeping the residents’ dining experiences top notch.

Back – Shawn Bale, Angel Burich, Jerry Patao Front – Sr. Ellen Thomas, Sr. Helen Zulka, Sr. Bernie Campbell

“OLA’s dining halls are open 365 days a year, 7 days a week and serve mostly the same residents 3 times a day for breakfast, lunch and dinner” states Sue. “Our largest meal of the day is lunch so residents don’t sleep on a heavy meal. There are always two entrees to choose from at both lunch and dinner and our Independent and Assisted Living dining hall has buffet style dining with a hot food buffet, salad bar, and various jellos, fresh fruits and drinks.” Sue manages her team, food orders, menu preparation, event catering lists and ongoing day-to-day needs.

Most of OLA’s foods are made from scratch. “It’s homemade, good quality food because this is their home,” Sue mentions with a smile. From homemade cakes to traditional meat and potato meals, each is fresh and prepared with care.

Residents dining selections are built around their needs and dietary restrictions. Food selections range from regular menus to mechanical soft, pureed or thickened liquids. Dietary restrictions are also noted such as no added salt, no concentrated sweets, and low cholesterol-cardiac.

Holidays and special events add a special twist for residents’ dining experiences. Families can join their loved one(s) for the day and eat a traditional holiday meal. “Residents also love ‘Fun Friday’ once a month which includes a cheeseburger with fries and optional root beer float,” Sue remarks.

“My team and I really enjoy working with the residents and getting feedback from them about the meals we prepare. We are like a large family. I tell my team to be proud of the food we serve.”

Enhance your quality of living and continue your story with Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home, a resident-centered, caring community. Call us today. To speak directly with OLA’s Admissions Coordinator regarding OLA’s levels of care, services and amenities, call 815-725-6631 ext. 4113.