Residents and rehabilitation patients at University of Maryland Shore Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at Chestertown are enjoying new, bistro-style dining, thanks to the installation of a “chef’s station” in the terrace dining room. The Chef’s Station provides for the on-site preparation and cooking of a variety of a la carte items and also includes steam tables for hot entrees.
“Long-term care patients and those admitted to inpatient rehab rarely have the resources or opportunity to go out for meals,” notes Stewart Seitz, director, UM Shore Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. “In residential care settings, mealtime is often the high point of the day. By engaging our residents and patients in making their own choices and observing the preparation of their selections, the Chef’s Station enhances the social aspect of the meal while adding a number of a la carte items – fresh salads and panini sandwiches, quesadillas, wraps, fresh fruit, desserts, hot entrees and soups.”
Since the Chef’s Station was installed, UM Shore Nursing and Rehab staff have observed that residents and patients are more likely to invite family and friends to join them at mealtime. “Thanks to the Chef’s Station, the Terrace Bistro seems more like a restaurant than an institutional dining room, and the atmosphere very lively,” notes Seitz.
According to Maryann Ruerhmann, executive director of the Chester River Health Foundation, the Chef’s Station project at UM Shore Nursing and Rehabilitation at Chestertown was made possible by the generous donation of the Davenport Foundation. “It’s really wonderful to receive a gift that helps us provide a more enjoyable experience for patients and their families and friends, and I know that my deep appreciation is shared by Shore Nursing and Rehab staff as well as the Chester River Health Foundation Board, ” says Ruehrmann.
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