‘It’s a Privilege’ – Michael Takes on New Role to Develop the Dining Experience for Resthaven Residents.

Picture this if you can: 131kg of potatoes. 217 dozen eggs. 74 loaves of bread.

It might seem like a lot, but this is just a snapshot of the daily shopping list for Michael Burton (Resthaven’s Corporate Coordinator Hospitality Services – Food and Dining Lead) for meals at Resthaven’s 12 aged care homes across South Australia.

Michael has worked at Resthaven for almost five years, taking on his new role in May this year to lead and support Resthaven’s residential sites to further develop the dining experience for residents. He is also responsible for assisting and training Resthaven’s hospitality staff.

‘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,’ Michael says. ‘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.’

Michael’s background is in hospitality. He began his career as a chef in the army, before heading to the Whitsundays where he did his fair share in the pubs, clubs and hotels. Returning to South Australia with a young family, Michael was looking for more family-friendly hours. He took a job at one of the major private hospitals in South Australia, where the hospitality service is complex.

‘It certainly keeps you on your toes to balance taste, nutrition, allergen requirements and specific diets,’ Michael says. ‘But, whether in a hospital, aged care or a hotel, the basic principles are the same – good-quality, nutritional food.’

Since taking on the role, Michael 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,’ Michael says. ‘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.’

Resthaven Murray Bridge resident, Mrs Fay Penn, is a fan of Michael's work.

‘The meals are amazing,’ Fay says. ‘They are delicious, and so well presented. I’ve been sending photos to my daughter because they look so good!'

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