Food is nourishment and nutritious foods, along with positive dining experiences, are key components of high-quality patient, client and resident care at Providence Care.
Providence Care follows a philosophy called Meal Time Matters – which promotes a focus on quality food and nutrition while reducing disruption during meals. Staff, physicians and volunteers work together to support this practice and encourage enjoyment and socialization when people gather for meals. Our dining room settings encourage and provide the necessary sensory impact of food, such as the smells in the room and the need for different textures, choices and diversity in every meal served.
“Good food and good nutrition can shorten the length of stay for patients and clients. Food is a form of medicine. If you’re in therapy, you need energy. If you’re recovering, you need nutrition,” says Paula Ormsbee, Director, Food & Nutrition Services at Providence Care.
A large team made up of Food & Nutrition Services staff members, Registered Dietitians, Red Seal Chefs and even transportation staff make it possible to create menus, prepare fresh food right in-house and deliver it across our multiple sites in a timely manner.
“We are so proud that meals are prepared right here by certified Red Seal Chefs and approved by our Registered Dietitians – ultimately helping us bring quality of life to those we serve,” continues Paula.
Providence Care follows Canada’s Food Guide and its recommendations for healthy eating so menu items include plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and protein. With expert guidance from our Registered Dietitians, staff, volunteers, patients, clients and residents alike understand the importance of healthy and nutritious choices.
At Providence Manor’s long-term care home, Registered Dietitian Charlotte Roorda, helps develop personalized therapeutic diet plans for residents. In fact, Charlotte analyses all menu items at Providence Manor and ensures they meet Ministry of Long-Term Care standards, while still balancing resident preferences.
“Food is such an integral part of a resident’s day and dietitians play a key role in a resident’s wellness journey. We help staff, residents and their family cut through the information overload (diagnoses, diet textures, dietary preferences, etc) and get them back to basics. We want the experience of eating to make residents happy, satisfied and improve their overall quality of life,” explains Charlotte.
Registered Dietitian, Charlotte Roorda, poses with her team at Providence Manor.
As part of her role, Charlotte is also responsible for diet orders, weight management strategies, feeding tubes and dysphagia management. Although, Charlotte is often working behind the scenes, her role is incredibly important in providing excellent care to residents.
We are so proud of our Registered Dietitians at Providence Care for their dedication, knowledge, skills and expertise in food and nutrition services and the healthy benefits they provide the people we serve.
Leave a Reply