Resthaven Marion in South Australia has taken a significant step to improve the dining experience for its residents by participating in the Maggie Beer Mentor Program.
From July 9-13, the kitchen staff underwent an intensive 5-day training session, marking the first phase of this initiative. The program pairs aged care kitchens with qualified chef trainers to mentor teams in preparing flavourful and nutritious meals, aiming to meet the new Aged Care Quality Standard.
Ongoing support will be provided through monthly check-ins and access to the Foundation’s Professional Community. Insights gained at Resthaven Marion will be shared across all 12 Resthaven facilities.
Resthaven Executive Manager Kelly Geister highlighted the commitment to enhancing resident experiences and building staff skills. This initiative is expected to positively impact not just the quality of meals but also overall resident satisfaction and well-being.
‘Resthaven Marion nominated for, and was chosen, to be one of the first aged care homes to take part in the program. We are always looking at ways we can improve the experience of residents, and we are excited to learn new techniques to build the capabilities and skills of our kitchen staff.’
Resthaven Executive Manager, Residential Services, Kelly Geister
The Maggie Beer Foundation, funded by the Australian Government, offers free education and training to improve food and nutrition in aged care. The 12-month Trainer Mentor Program provides tailored support, menu appraisals, and certification to 120 homes across Australia. According to their website, applications are still open to join the program – https://maggiebeerfoundation.org.au/news/registrations-open-for-the-maggie-beer-foundation-aged-care-cook-chef-support-program/
