Commitment + Clinical Leadership = Better Outcomes

Photo, left to right: Cindy Shaver and Patricia Thornton

The first week of October is National Healthcare Foodservice Workers Week. This week, Saber Healthcare is celebrating our dietary managers and line staff for all the hard work they do for our residents.

To learn more about what it’s like to work in the food service field within the healthcare industry, today we are highlighting two Food Service Directors who lead our communities’ dietary teams: Patricia Thornton from Tyler’s Retreat at Iron Bridge Road and Cindy Shaver from Davie Nursing & Rehab.

Thornton and Shaver gave us an insight on their daily routine, as well as how they manage their dietary teams.

How Did You Get Started in This Career?

Thornton shared that she started her career in a laundry department at a long-term care facility. At the time, she was a teenager and had recently graduated from high school. Once they had a position open for a Dietary Aide, she decided to apply and began working in the food industry.

“I started learning how to cook, and I went from there,” Thornton said.

Shaver started working as a Dietary Aide when she was a senior in high school. As she learned how to cook and grew in her role, she eventually moved up to where she is today.

What Does Your Job as a Director Involve on a Daily Basis?

Shaver and Thornton discussed what a normal day looks like for a Food Service Director. Every day, these ladies communicate with their team to make sure everything is flowing smoothly. They also keep in touch with the residents to make sure that they are enjoying their meals.

The role of a Food Service Director also involves behind-the-scenes work such as documenting nutritional needs, working with dietitians, and assessing new residents.

“I’m responsible for the kitchen and everything that happens in it, from ordering the food to staying in budget to hiring and training employees,” Shaver said. Shaver’s day also involves visiting residents, working in the dining rooms, and working with staff on menus and recipes.

Shaver added that she likes to cook food for our residents. She enjoys cooking what they like and want. “It’s very rewarding to be able to do things for the residents,” Shaver said.

“To sum it up, we’re a combo of an interdisciplinary team from the nutritional aspect to make sure needs are being met. We are cooks, dish washers, and dietary aides. We are also an advocate for the resident,” Thornton explained.

Thornton said she makes sure the line cooks have everything they need to do their job, including cookware and ingredients needed for each diet.  

Thornton also shared how their role is different than working as a restaurant manager. “With restaurants, patrons order for themselves and take accountability for their choices. In healthcare, we keep residents’ food preferences in mind as we educate them on their individual nutritional needs related to diagnosis, weight control, and overall nutritional status,” Thornton said.

How is Your Team Organized?

Shaver and Thornton discussed how they manage and organize their teams to successfully serve the residents the food that they need.

“We have a very small dietary department, with most of them being long-term employees,” Shaver said. “They all come in and know what to do. They all work together really well.”

Thornton said her team is organized with a cook and then two dietary aides. The cook prepares the meals and the dietary aides handle beverages, condiments, and plating/serving the food.

What’s Your Favorite Part about Your Job?

Thornton and Shaver talked about their favorite parts of their job as a Food Service Director.

“My favorite part is being able to care for somebody from a nutritional standpoint,” Thornton shared. “Saber does all they can to make the dining experience a good experience. We don’t get many complaints.”

“My favorite part is doing special events for the residents. On the Fourth of July and Labor Day, I grilled hot dogs for them,” Shaver said. “They love the macaroni salad, and they beg me to make it every holiday. We’ve also made funnel cakes, corn dogs, and homemade ice cream. On holidays I like to make homemade treats like pound cakes and fudge.”

Any Advice?

Because food is such a huge aspect when it comes to living a healthy life, we asked Shaver and Thornton to share some simple nutritional advice.

“Control your portion size,” Shaver said.

“I would say step out of your normal, try new foods, and enjoy it. That’s it,” Thornton added.

Saber Healthcare Appreciates our Food Service Directors

Saber Healthcare is thankful for our Food Service Directors who efficiently lead our food service teams at each community. Our dietary teams work hard to serve food to our residents that fits their preferences as well as nutritional needs.

If you’re interested in a career in the foodservice field within the healthcare industry, check out open jobs at Saber Healthcare here.

Saber Healthcare is an organization dedicated to providing consultant services to long term care providers. This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to be seen as professional advice. Please consult with a medical expert before relying on the information provided.