The results of an annual survey conducted with residents of nursing homes have revealed the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW’s Home for the Aged as number one for food across Australia.
The Residents’ Experience Survey has been conducted for the past three years with the most recent results accounting for up to 20 per cent, or more than 36,200, of aged care residents.
The survey asks many questions to analyse the experiences of the residents, and is most important as it carries a 33 per cent weighting towards the overall Star Ratings score for each home.
Among the questions asked is ‘Do you like the food here?’, and the results from last year’s survey saw the Greek Community Home for the Aged score a perfect four out of four, the only facility to do so.
Katerina Kouris, facility manager of the Earlwood-based Home, said it is “incredibly pleasing” to have recorded such positive feedback on the centre’s food.
“We are humbled to achieve such pleasing results and maintain to continuing to meet our residents’ expectations for an exceptional dining experience,” Kouris told Neos Kosmos.
“It brings us great joy to see our residents eating well and enjoying all meals which are prepared, cooked, and served fresh daily in line with their cultural traditions and spiritual values.”
The manager noted the significance of mealtimes in providing a sense of security and stability for the residents as well as fostering communication and strengthening bonds.
“The residents’ satisfaction of their meals enhances their social interactions, creating memories as such the tastes, smells, and sounds associated with food can evoke strong memories, linking specific times and places to the family’s history,” she said.
Kouris highlighted that strong relationships with the residents have helped them maintain a good standard in food preparation, communicating clearly with them to understand each person’s likes and dislikes and ensure they get their preferred meals.
“We assure our residents are satisfied with our menu which is designed in line with their cultural traditions and nutritional values,” she said.
The facility manager expressed her immense pride in the kitchen staff, led by Head Chef Panagiotis Giannakopoulos, for their stellar efforts in cooking for the residents.
“We are extremely proud of our staff and all the team’s hard work,” she said.
“Head Chef Panagiotis and Cook Patroula have excelled in their roles and have exceeded all expectations as demonstrated, they truly go above and beyond ensuring high satisfaction.”
Another well-performing facility on food was Fronditha Care’s Hippocrates Aged Care Centre based in Mayfield East, NSW, which was tied with the 11th highest score of 3.71.
