Toronto Long-Term Care Homes and Services
Quality Care and Service
Healthy eating
Toronto Long-Term Care Homes and Services places a high priority on providing a quality food service to residents We recognize that mealtime is one of the most important aspects of a resident's day and we want the experience to be pleasant, while providing the proper nutrition for healthy eating.
Residents provide direct input into the development of each new menu cycle and are consulted as new menu choices are selected and introduced in the homes. Guided by the input and ongoing feedback from residents, menus are drafted to provide residents with their preferred foods. Registered Dietitians finalize and approve the menus for the homes, ensuring that the menus provide optimal nutrition care.
Each year, we carefully review and revise our menus to improve the quality and the nutrient content. In recent years, efforts have been made to minimize foods with trans fats, to reduce the sodium content of many menu items, to increase the fibre content and to boost fluids offered to residents. As well menus have been developed to support residents preferring vegetarian choices. The homes' menus are all subject to full nutritional analysis prior to finalization and are measured against Health Canada's Dietary Reference intakes and menus comply with Canada's Food Guide.
Recognizing the importance of socialization at mealtimes, we have focused some of our quality improvement work on achieving pleasurable dining for residents. Known as the Live to Eat approach, it is our goal to offer the best dining experience possible in long-term care homes — for each resident, at every meal, every day.
All members of the interdisciplinary team strive to create pleasant surroundings and a positive dining experience. Food services staff is joined by colleagues from housekeeping, nursing, programs and services, members of the senior management team, volunteers and family members — all working together to achieve a high quality, enjoyable dining process.
Family members are welcome to join residents for periodic meals, recognizing that this also enhance the dining experience — speak to the Nutrition Manager in your home for details.