More than two years ago, Royal Freemasons Footscray residential aged care home introduced a new menu designed to serve its residents.
Located near Melbourne’s bustling Footscray market, the home provides residential aged care for 60 residents and specialises in high-need care for members of the Chinese and Vietnamese communities.
Acting facilities manager Thi Kim Nguyen said the new menu was designed to make residents feel warmer and more at home. The seasonal menu was designed with experienced chefs, nutritionists and feedback from residents. The current autumn menu includes Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs, Beef Noodles, Stir-Fried Three Meals, Wonton Soup, Moo Shu Pork, Vermicelli and Asian Mixed Vegetables, Satay Chicken, Honey Beef, Chicken Offal, Egg Fried Rice and more.
Brunch every other day will also offer yum cha-style dim sum. “We offer three different types of noodles, chow mein, BBQ meat buns, spring rolls and different types of dumplings such as shrimp, chicken and pork,” says Thi Kim.
“The most important thing for the residents is that the food is good. They love it, and so do their families.”
The menu also offers a variety of western options such as lamb chops with mint sauce, corned beef and fish of the day.
“Each chef brings a different flavor to the menu,” says Thi Kim. Every six months, residents also have the opportunity to make new food suggestions.
“We try to make residents feel like this is their home… they’re eating well and we’re taking care of them. That’s what we’re going to provide.”
This story was recently featured in Vision China Times.