Peninsula Villages has embarked on a fresh approach to dining in aged care by employing a local chef to spearhead its food services team, as more aged care providers find ways to meet consumer expectations of culinary taste and service.
Five months ago, Peninsula local Paul McGuiness walked away from life as a restaurant owner and chef in a bid to transform the food culture at Peninsula Villages’ residential aged care facilities, with a focus on wholesome and nutritious meals.
“Food is such an integral part of everyone’s life and holds huge social and physical importance,” Peninsula Villages CEO, Shane Neave said.
“We wanted to revive our meals and menus to ensure that our residents get a sense of enjoyment from the food they eat. This sparked our decision to take on a new approach to our food services by employing an experienced head chef to lead the team.”
“Paul has a wealth of experience in the dining industry having owned his own successful restaurant in Umina for almost 14 years.”
Paul’s philosophy of developing rotational menus for residents and offering options for dishes has seen an increased interest in what is on offer at mealtimes at Peninsula Village.
Dishes on the new autumn menu at Peninsula Villages include dinner favourites such as beef ragù, vegetable lasagne, tandoori chicken, risotto or Moroccan lamb, along with a selection of varied breakfast meals, sweets and lunch specials.
“Variety is such an important aspect of food within the aged care sector and our ethos for our menus is based on providing flavoursome and healthy meals that foster the social and enjoyment aspects of dining,” Mr Neave said.
“Good food can be hugely beneficial for people with health issues, dementia or with other high-care needs so it is important that not only the food is good, but that it is also appealing,” Chef, Paul McGuiness said.
The service provider involves a consultant dietitian in meal planning and adapts meals for residents’ changing needs, allergies or requirements. It is also expanding its meal services to people living in the community through a home delivery service.
