We are always trying to do better for our CHSLD residents. It’s a mission that Jean-Marc Gaudet, head of food services at the Centre d’hébergement de Lachine, and his staff, always take very seriously. For the past year, they have been making “brunch” for the residents, right in their residential units.
Every week, on an alternating basis, the residents of one of the units get to enjoy this special meal. For the occasion, a “mobile” kitchen on serving carts is set up near the residents’ dining room. Members of the food services team cook pancakes and eggs onsite, which are served with sausages, bacon and toasts that have been made ahead of time. And don’t worry, they never forget to bring the maple syrup! To top it all off, the residents are treated to music they enjoyed in their younger years, adding to the overall ambiance. Needless to say, not only does this multisensory activity bring smiles to the faces of the residents, but it also stimulates their appetite.
This innovative practice has already been implemented in a few of the Montréal West Island CHSLDs and is set to be rolled out in other residential centres in the coming weeks.
“In a world where our focus is increasingly on artificial intelligence, I think that we must also create space for emotional intelligence in our residential centres,” says Mr. Gaudet.
Thank you to the teams from the various directorates involved in making a difference in the lives of our vulnerable residents!
Cook Louise Boyer is delighted to be part of these special lunches.
The delicious smell of pancakes cooking on the grill is enough to whet anyone’s appetite.