Assisted Living Communities Step Up Their Culinary Game for Seniors

Senior assisted living communities in California are providing residents with more sophisticated meals prepared by expert chefs amid mounting interest in food and healthier lifestyles, reports the Los Angeles Times . Residents at certain communities now have the option of ordering daily specials or offerings from more extensive everyday menus. Crown Cove Executive Director Kathleen Olson notes she has observed an elevation in food service in the past two years, with demographics shaping the dietary differences among senior communities. "The area we're in, residents are interested in healthier food; many have traveled and experienced a higher level of dining and expect that here," she points out. "They don't want casseroles." Crown Cove Head Chef Daniel Perez also chimed in. A veteran of the assisted-living sector, he said, "I love working with seniors, and for some, it's the end of their journey and I want to make them as happy as possible. Food plays a huge role — the interaction, the family, bringing everyone closer together — and it gives me joy when families come and eat here instead of going out."