Resthaven’s developing the dining experience for residents

Nothing beats good quality, nutritional food, and for Resthaven’s Michael Burton delivering quality meals across their 12 residential care homes every day is the goal. 

Mr Burton has worked with Resthaven for approximately five years, although it was only in May when he stepped up to lead and support Resthaven’s residential sites as their Corporate Coordinator Hospitality Services – Food and Dining Lead.

With a growing focus on food and nutrition in residential care, he is working to further develop the dining experience for residents, while also assisting and training hospitality staff at each home.

“When you’re offering food and dining in an aged care home you have to be at the top of your game all the time,” he explained. 

“People don’t have the option to easily go elsewhere, so every meal has to be good quality, nutritional, delicious food. I call it a welcome challenge.”

Experience is critical to Mr Burton’s work as he can draw upon years of knowledge, tips and tricks.

The Adelaide native first started as a chef in the army before moving to the Whitsundays and working in a variety of pubs, clubs and hotels. Returning to South Australia with a young family, he initially took a job at a major private hospital before joining Resthaven.

“It certainly keeps you on your toes to balance taste, nutrition, allergen requirements and specific diets,’ Mr Burton added.

“But, whether in a hospital, aged care or a hotel, the basic principles are the same – good-quality, nutritional food.”

Resthaven’s footprint is spread throughout South Australia with residential care homes in metropolitan Adelaide, the Fleurieu Peninsula and the Murraylands, to name a few.

This means coordination and preparation are essential as Mr Burton works to keep staff educated, supported and at the top of their game. It’s also important for him when a daily shopping list includes 131 kilograms of potatoes, 217 dozen eggs and 74 loaves of bread.

Since taking on the role, he has implemented a wider recipe base at the homes, as well as further developing a seasonal menu with seasonal produce delivered fresh to site.

“We know that the residents look forward to the meals, and it is a special privilege to provide these for them,’ Mr Burton said.

“We are constantly seeking feedback and suggestions from residents so we can improve the overall dining experience – and that’s everything from customer service, to favourite recipes, to presentation, to the taste of the food itself.”

Resident feedback indicates that his hard work is paying dividends. Resthaven Murray Bridge resident Fay Penn said, “The meals are amazing. They are delicious, and so well presented. I’ve been sending photos to my daughter because they look so good.”

The investment into food and nutrition is evident in Resthaven’s 2024 aged care star ratings performance with all homes surveyed this year performing well when residents were asked ‘Do you like the food here?’. 

Resthaven Mitcham returned a perfect 100% for positive responses and an overall five-star rating for the Residents’ Experience. Four other residential care sites achieved positive responses above 80% this year.