A Day in the Life of HCSG Waugh Chapel’s Dining Team
It’s no secret that food brings people together. Whether it be holidays, events, or everyday breakfast, lunch, or dinner, meals are an essential part of connecting with others while maintaining well-being.
Healthcare Services Group’s (HCSG) dining team at Autumn Lake at Waugh Chapel understands how vital their roles are in serving residents in their community. Follow along as we dive into a typical day serving residents in the short-term rehabilitation and long-term care communities.
Morning Service
With 14 team members, the dining team begins its day bright and early. Cooks’ shifts begin at 5:30 a.m., while Dietary Aides arrive at 6:30 a.m. Each team member receives production sheets, diet guides, and recipes for each meal to establish not only that a tasty meal is produced, but it also follows the correct diet modifications for each resident.
While the food is being prepped, Account Manager Pat Baker begins her morning in a daily meeting with Autumn Lake administration to discuss updates within her department and new arrivals. As she walks the halls, she greets residents with a warm smile. She exclaims, “I love to see the smile on our residents’ faces. We have to treat residents like they are our mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers.”
Lunch Service
Once Pat reaches the kitchen, she walks around to guarantee everything is in place and running smoothly. As Pat finished the paperwork and food orders mid-morning, her team had already completed breakfast and had begun preparing lunch.
HCSG Team Members since 2017 and 2019
At Waugh Chapel, meals are prepared using a tray line system. Dietary Aide Janet Oliver is at the front reviewing each dietary slip. Once she thoroughly reviews, she notifies the cook, placing the food on the plate about what should be prepared for each resident. At the end of the line, Dietary Aide Amanda Shaw places desserts and checks that each tray has the correct dietary needs or modifications before send off.
When a new resident arrives, a diet slip is filled out, identifying any allergies, food preferences, and any nutritional requirements (ex: low sodium diet, etc.) Diet modifications range between regular, modified, pureed, and more. The dietary team also engages with the registered dietitian and speech therapist to review resident diet modifications and suggestions. This way, each resident receives the correct nutritional care.
While the tray line is happening, Manager-in-Training Andrea McBride oversees the process by lending support when and where needed. Andrea has reached 15 weeks in the Manager-in-Training program and is currently studying for her certification to become a Food Service Manager. During her time at Waugh Chapel, she has noticed “the residents really pay attention to who engages with them. I try to visit as many residents as possible to connect with them and receive feedback on meals.”
Cook Kimberly White shares, “I enjoy cooking. I’ve learned a lot by interacting with my team members. I get a lot of ideas from my team, and it’s exciting to come in every day to work together.”
HCSG Manager-in-Training since 2024
HCSG Night Cook since 2017
Dietary Aide Janet is no stranger to connecting with residents, as she has worked in the long-term care community for 40 years. She says, “Helping people is the most rewarding part of my job. Ensuring residents receive tasty meals while complying with their dietary needs makes my job worthwhile.”
Night Cook Patricia Scrivner emphasizes, “In our department, we are family. We work together and support each other both in and out of work.”
HCSG Dietary Aide since 2017
Serving Residents Like Family
It’s clear HCSG’S dining team at Waugh Chapel believes that every meal is more than just nourishment- it’s a chance to create moments of joy, comfort, and connection to the residents they serve. Their passion and unwavering dedication not only ensures residents receive meals tailored to their individual nutritional needs, but enriches the quality of life for all. Simply put, HCSG’s Waugh Chapel’s dining team embodies what it means to truly care for residents in the healthcare community.
The kitchen is the heart of every home, just as it is in healthcare communities. HCSG dining team members thoughtfully source ingredients and carefully craft meals that appeal to diverse palates and regional preferences.
Our enhanced focus on service ensures a consistently exceptional dining experience. Learn more about what we can do for you and your community at hcsg.com/dining.
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