Marlene appreciates how meals are presented since the Maggie Beer training
Marlene Kempster volunteered at Resthaven Marion for 27 years. She has been a resident for the last 5 years.
Marlene was pleased when Resthaven Marion started the Maggie Beer Foundation’s Trainer Mentor Program to improve food and dining for residents. The Department of Health and Aged Care funds the foundation to deliver free training to the aged care sector.
The training supports aged care homes to improve nutrition, take residents’ preferences into account and offer more choice.
‘I’ve seen a difference in the food since the Maggie Beer Foundation training. My favourites are the frittatas and the quiches,’ says Marlene.
‘The staff here are always very accommodating. If I don’t fancy something I can always send it back for something else, and they’ll do everything they can to accommodate you. I feel comfortable talking to the staff,’ Marlene says.
‘The food is very varied and we get a choice in the main course. Sometimes the portions are bigger than what we need.’
Marlene has particularly noticed a difference in meal presentation since the training started.
‘You can see a difference in the presentation. There is more thought put into it. There is good colouring and good quantity,’ Marlene says.
Marlene says a recent meal ‘was to die for’ for the variety of tastes, textures and presentation.
‘The cabbage had a sweet taste, and I loved the baked sweet potato. Everything had some taste to it,’ Marlene says.
Marlene has also noticed improvements at the dining room table, so people can personalise their meal.
‘We’ve got sauces and condiments on the table now. Before we would ask, and they would bring them to us.’
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