Gathering around the table for a meal is one of the oldest and most cherished rituals. While stories are being told with laughter from family and friends, dining together goes beyond mere sustenance—it can become a celebration of life itself.
The influence of dining well also extends to physical and mental health. Eating right – fruit, vegetables, calcium, protein, fiber and staying hydrated – can reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. The right diet can also help to maintain muscle mass and a healthy body weight.
Dining with others: the positive impact
For Prairie City Landing residents, the tradition of sharing meals holds even greater significance. Striving for culinary excellence, we provide the opportunity for connection, reminiscing and creating new memories. It’s also a time when companionship and comfort is found instead of isolation or loneliness.
Research has discovered that those who live alone often eat more meals alone and skip more than those who live with a spouse or share meals with others. Those who dined alone often experienced a higher risk of depression and a lower quality of life.
Culinary excellence at Prairie City Landing
We understand the physical, mental and social advantages of eating well. We focus on providing choices in dining venues and delicious menu selections. We also believe that culinary excellence recognizes that residents may need help in adapting to nutritional changes and eating habits that can occur when growing older. Consider the following:
Metabolism: Our metabolism slows down as we age. Often this happens at the same time we become less physically active. This can result in needing less food for fuel.
Changes in tastes: We can also become less sensitive to taste. If this occurs, people may compensate by adding more salt to food. Healthier choices would be to season with oils, herbs and spices.
Medications: Older adults often notice a change in their appetites or tastes because of the medications they are taking. It’s important to discuss side effects when getting a new prescription.
Digestion changes: Another food experience for older adults is an increased difficulty in swallowing or digesting, which can affect the ability to eat healthy.
Download our complimentary guide Staying Home vs. Senior Living.
How Prairie City Landing’s culinary excellence supports residents to eat well
Our residents have full-sized kitchens in their spacious apartments so they can always prepare a home-cooked meal for friends or family.
But we also know that not everyone wants to eat the same thing, in the same place and at the same time every day. That’s why we created several venues so the residents would always have choices.
Take a look at the dining options offered:
The Rendezvous: A resident favorite, this is the perfect place to meet up after an activity or enjoy a cup of coffee while you plan your day. It’s also where we hold our Happy Hours with cocktails, mocktails and complimentary snacks.
The Cypress Room: Sometimes the mood calls for a fine dining atmosphere, complete with delicious entrees and sides. And don’t forget the desserts. Residents enjoy the white tablecloth ambiance and the seasonally inspired menu.
Natoma Café: Visiting our California casual café is perfect when you’re in the mood for comfort foods such as soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta and a daily chef’s special. You’ll discover the perfect spot with all-day dining. We’re ready whenever you are.
The Club Room: If you want to host a special event or celebration, you can send out the invites and arrange catering for private parties in the Club Room or the adjacent patio.
Culinary excellence: the view from Prairie City Landing’s Chef
At Prairie City Landing, we recognize that a one-size-fits-all strategy doesn’t apply when it comes to dining. If anything, preparing food for the residents takes on a special level of importance, according to Chef and Culinary Director Conrad Caguimbal. “For me, I cook for the residents with such a level of pride and joy. They are like an extension of my grandparents.”
The community places great importance on listening to the residents, their preferences and any ways we can improve, Caguimbal noted. “I learn the most from talking and interacting with the residents in the dining room. This is how I best can understand their expectations.”
While acknowledging that one of the residents’ favorite meals is probably biscuits and gravy, Caguimbal said he also has nutrition and health goals that he would like to reach. “I’m looking to take us to a no-salt-added community in the future.”
Being available to talk about nutrition and the foods best for maintaining health is a valuable service for the residents of Prairie City Landing. But the personal touch that Caguimbal provides bridges any gap between the residents’ preferences and the food he prepares. And the best way he has found to discover their likes and dislikes is to spend time and listen to those he feels honored to cook for.
Discover life at Tenfold’s Prairie City Landing
We created Prairie City Landing to support our residents to live their best lives possible. Our community’s design, residences, activities and amenities are all focused on helping to connect, engage and create an enriched life.
If you’re searching for senior living that is different from the rest, we hope you will consider Tenfold’s Prairie City Landing. We invite you to download our complimentary guide Staying Home vs. Senior Living. Contact us to speak to an advisor, or schedule your tour of Prairie City Landing today to experience senior living and our community for yourself.
