Celebrity chef Maggie Beer has inspired the creation of even healthier and more delicious meals for residents of Koorooman House at Leongatha Memorial Hospital and Kirrak House at Wonthaggi Hospital.
Kitchen staff at both residential care centres, operated by Bayside Health, recently took part in the Trainer Mentor Program run by the Maggie Beer Foundation.
This program pairs residential care centre kitchen teams with a qualified chef trainer to mentor the team to serve protein-rich, fresh food to residents, delivering an enhanced dining experience, including more meal options.
The program enhances cooking skills and understanding of residents’ nutrition needs to maintain optimal health. The training also helped staff develop stronger relationships with residents, and understand individuals’ likes and needs on a more personal level.
Staff and residents at Koorooman House marked the culmination of the 12-month program with a ”Casino Royale”-inspired soirée.
The Kirrak House team will celebrate the completion of their program in the near future. Both teams have every reason to celebrate, said Bayside Health Regional CEO Louise Sparkes.
“Our residents have been impressed by the high standard of food our kitchen staff have been preparing. It’s full of nutritious ingredients to meet their needs, so they’re feeling the health benefits too,” she said.
“While our kitchen staff were already well aware of the importance of nutritious food in residential care settings, and knew that tasty meals are essential to residents’ wellbeing, taking part in the Maggie Beer Foundation program has helped them to take their food to the next level. We look forward to further enhancing the dining experience for our residents, ensuring it remains enjoyable, nutritious and resident-focused.”
If you would like to learn more about residential care at Koorooman House, go to: baysidehealth.org.au/services/koorooman-house
The broader website also offers information about residential care at Korumburra’s Hospital Hillside Lodge and Alchera House, and Kooweerup Hospital’s Killara Hostel and Westernport Nursing Home. To learn about residential care at Kirrak House, Wonthaggi and Griffiths Point Lodge, San Remo, go to: basscoasthealth.org.au/services/residential-aged-care