When it comes to the quality of life in senior living, few things matter as much as the food served. At La Veta Village Assisted Living, we understand the importance of a resident-centered food service in promoting healthy well-being. Our commitment lies in providing residents with nourishing, flavorful, and well-balanced meals that cater to their daily nutritional requirements and special dietary needs, all while considering their individual preferences.
Crafting our menus is Brian Crossno, a seasoned chef with five years of culinary expertise. Assisting him in meal preparation is Ellen White and our dedicated staff, all of whom have completed the ServSafe Food Handler Course and hold certificates in food safety.
Our kitchen undergoes thorough inspections by the Colorado Department of Health, ensuring compliance with sanitation standards. Daily maintenance by our kitchen staff further reinforces cleanliness and hygiene. We pride ourselves on a menu that rotates every four to five weeks, meticulously reviewed by our administration for nutritional adequacy. Resident requests for specific foods are accommodated and incorporated into future meal plans.
During meal service, one or sometimes two staff members attend to residents, serving each plate with consideration for portion sizes and individual preferences. Residents have their preferred seating arrangements, although occasional changes are welcomed. Background music sets a pleasant ambiance, with Wednesdays designated as Special Request Music days. Meal times are fixed: Breakfast from 7:00 am to 9:00 am, Lunch from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm, and Dinner from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm.
Menus are readily available, and residents are encouraged to attend meals. We keep track of residents who miss meals, ensuring their well-being without disturbing their rest. Reminders are provided to those who may forget meal times throughout the day.
For safety and sanitation reasons, residents are not permitted to prepare food in the kitchen. However, upon request, our night staff can prepare light snacks. Outside kitchen hours, residents have access to refrigerated snacks in their rooms or in the community refrigerator located in the Mountain Meadows Room, equipped with a microwave for convenience. Healthy snack options like fruits, granola bars, and bottled water are always within reach.
Our staff members dine alongside residents, actively participating in meal assessments and offering suggestions for menu improvements. Mealtime is not just about sustenance; it's an opportunity for residents to enjoy flavorful food and engage in conversations with friends. They eagerly anticipate the produce from our garden each year.
Residents at La Veta Village have a diverse array of favorite dishes, with many expressing a fondness for classic comfort foods like meat and potatoes. Their culinary preferences span a variety of cuisines, including Mexican dishes, savory beef aux jus, hearty chicken or beef fried steak, succulent spare ribs, juicy hamburgers, and flavorful fish tacos. They also enjoy comforting classics like red or green chili, rich gravy, and hearty breakfasts featuring eggs with bacon and potatoes. For lighter options, they appreciate cheese broccoli soup and a selection of fresh fruits such as strawberries and blueberries, as well as nutritious vegetables like spinach. For dessert, favorites include cottage cheese salad with fruit, indulgent brownies, and refreshing jello. To complement their meals, residents enjoy sipping on lemonade and appreciate having a variety of salad dressings and flavorings available to enhance their dining experience.
In consideration of age-related changes in sensory perception, our meals are thoughtfully prepared to compensate for any decline in taste sensation. We present food in visually appealing arrangements on appropriately sized plates, offering a variety of textures to support dental health. Individual flavor preferences are honored, ensuring that meals are flavorful without being overly bland or spicy.
While aging may diminish certain taste sensations, our goal is to provide meals that are enjoyable and satisfying. Residents can identify basic flavors like sweet, sour, bitter, or salty, and we cater to their preferences accordingly. We emphasize moderation, encouraging residents to sample a variety of dishes for both happiness and good health.
In the words of Karen Salmonsohn, "Eating healthy food fills your body with energy and nutrients. Imagine your cells smiling back at you and saying: 'Thank you!'" At La Veta Village Assisted Living, we strive to evoke those smiles with every meal we serve.