Bringing more choice at mealtimes in residential aged care 

Meals are more than just nourishment. They create moments of choice, comfort and connection throughout the day.  

In an Anglicare residential aged care home, all residents receive a varied menu that includes favourites such as eggs at breakfast, a choice of main meal and dessert at lunch, and a selection of salads and sandwiches when they feel like something lighter.  

More than just food 

‘For many of the residents, they love having the choice to add a hot breakfast item to their first meal of the day. It’s much like the cooked breakfast they would treat themselves to on weekends at home. Sauteed mushrooms and grilled tomatoes are always popular, as are the weekly pancakes served with maple syrup,’ explains Lee Whittaker, chef at Mildred Symons House. 

Food is also about more than what’s on the plate. It creates opportunities for social connection, daily routines and shared experiences.  

The residents at Goodhew Gardens are eager to make their way to The Sunshine Café at 10am each day for morning tea and a catch up. The aroma of freshly baked morning tea treats drifting from the nearby kitchen is often the signal that it’s time to make their way down to the café. 

Residents can enjoy a premium morning tea while looking out over the garden, watching the activity on the street and catching up with friends. For some, this daily get together is an outing in itself, while for others it’s the starting point for a day filled with activities. Over a warm scone or maybe a freshly baked raspberry muffin, residents may also be treated to some impromptu entertainment when the chaplain picks up his guitar for a singalong.  

Morning tea is a gathering spot for residents from across the home, made a little more enticing with the premium morning tea served warm from the oven. 

Continuing with familiar traditions  

Noah Parsons is a resident at Mildred Symons House who enjoys having a beer.  He says, ‘I’m not a big drinker, but I really enjoy having a beer at Men’s Club. It’s a great opportunity to sit with friends, share a drink, have a laugh and reminisce about old memories. Having that option makes Men’s Club even more enjoyable.’ 

Living in residential aged care also doesn’t mean you have to stop entertaining at home as visitors are always welcome to join a loved one for a meal. As Alana Hoolhan, a resident at Barry Marsh House, says, ‘I now get to entertain at home without the need to cook or clean, and with all the hard work done for me. The food is excellent, and we have a few favourite meals, with friends regularly joining me for the roast pork, fish and chips or the chicken schnitzel. We like eating on the balcony where we can enjoy a meal, each other’s company, and also the view.’ 

The teams that make it happen 

For chef Lee and his team at Mildred Symons House, resident satisfaction is always the priority. Lee makes sure he pops out during lunch and dinner service to speak with residents and that feedback helps the team continually refine the dining experience.  

Teams at all Anglicare homes also run a monthly Food and Dining Focus Meeting where residents and staff come together to discuss how things have been going and provide early feedback on proposed menu changes. Lee notes, ‘All are welcome at the monthly focus meetings and every voice heard. We also have lots of other channels for feedback and remain flexible to resident feedback.’ 

Whether they are tucking into a hot breakfast, sharing morning tea with friends or entertaining visitors, residents continue the traditions and experiences they value, making each day a little more special at Anglicare.