A fresh take on dining at Delmanor

There’s a reason why food is such a large part of family traditions and holidays - by design it brings people together and literally gives them a reason to break bread together.  An Irish Proverb says, “Laughter is brightest in the place where food is.”  At Delmanor we have a strong sense of pride over making each meal special, and a chance for meaningful connection. 

Recent health studies have revealed loneliness as being a dire health risk for seniors.  It has been determined that loneliness increases a person’s risk of suffering from a heart attack, stroke, and depression, leading to a shortened life expectancy.

Finding a variety of ways to provide meaningful interactions with others is vital for having a long and happy life.  Dr. Carla Perissinotto, Associate Chief of Clinal Programs in Geriatrics, University of California San Francisco told Time Magazine longevity is, “about the meaningfulness of the activity” and emphasizes the quality of the relationships that people have in their lives being what matters the most.  

Creating meal experiences that are a celebration of good food and providing a venue to come together is one of the measures of success we look to in our meal planning at Delmanor. 

Making the Ordinary Extraordinary

Variety is the spice of life at Delmanor and mixing things up all the time helps keep people enthusiastic about eating and socializing.  We ensure programming revolves around food. In the summer our community can enjoy al fresco dining, lunch and dinner barbeques, or continental breakfasts. Guest chefs routinely make an appearance in Delmanor kitchens to stir things up!  Products are sourced locally to help showcase different vendors with specific focus on recipes using ingredients from Canadian and Ontario based companies like French’s, Chapmans, and local farmers.

Pub fare during a hockey, baseball, or basketball game can allow people to nosh and support their favourite team. Go Raptors!  Each month our communities enjoy a chef’s table meal featuring fare like you’d get on a cruise.  Here people get to dress up and eat a three or four course meal with wine pairings, with friends.

Because the Delmanor community is so closely entwined, residents can work with team members to brainstorm ideas for future events that evolve around personal interests and a passion for great food.

Bringing Philanthropy To The Plate

Being engaged in the world around us and making a difference is a huge part of the Delmanor community.  By holding events that help support causes that are important to residents, Team members, and the area on a whole we are all able to give back. In the past year Delmanor dining events have helped raise funds for The Artful Palette Etobicoke, Out Of The Cold, and Cardiac Health Canada.  Delmanor brings heart to Valentine’s Day with our annual cardiac fundraiser.  This event hosts leading culinary teams from multiple retirement communities, to present their tastiest heart-healthy entrée.  The winner gets an award, and bragging rights! 

A Buzzworthy Program

Delmanor residents are aware of the importance of fresh food and health.  Seniors from Delmanor Elgin Mills wanted to do their part in helping bees and, along with the support of Alvéole, The Urban Beekeeper welcomed a colony of honeybees into the community for a six months residence.  In addition to helping the bee population, this ground-breaking program will offer other sweet rewards of honey the harvest to be shared among Delmanor Elgin Mills family and friends. Chefs at Delmanor Elgin Mills can’t wait to incorporate this item into their menus this fall. 

Celebrations Beyond the Holidays

In addition to incorporating fresh ingredients into our food each day and making holidays special for everyone in the Delmanor family, we work to provide a farm to table experience, allowing residents to celebrate the best that the season has to offer. This summer community members from Delmanor Elgin Mills enjoyed a Corn Boil and Country Music Hoedown, Northtown Delmanor hosted a garden terrace Oyster Bar, and those from Delmanor Elgin Mills went back in time to the 1900’s to enjoy the historical experience of a Strawberry Social. This year Delmanor Prince Edward hosted their ina Annual Food Market with  vendors showcasing their talents, creations, and foods, with enthusiastic guests. 

Continued Learning

Personal Development shouldn’t stop as you age. Research published in the journal Psychological Science showed that those aged 60 to 90 years old who learn a new skill enjoy the benefits of an improved memory. 

Delmanor communities routinely host fascinating keynotes on a variety of topics of interest to help people discover new passions and even ignite new hobbies for people to share with each other.  Thought provoking conversation during and after a particularly riveting speaker, over coffee and refreshments, is one of the many ways we can flex our social muscles and brain power and learn from each other.  Cause what’s better than lively conversation that continues over the dinner table?

Meeting Milestones Together

Birthdays are a big deal for all of us.  Delmanor is proud to celebrate centenarians.  It’s amazing to celebrate someone reaching this monumental milestone together with good food and company.  Food is also used to bring team members closer together allowing us to show appreciation for nurses, volunteers and, particularly when they celebrate anniversaries with Delmanor.

Find amazing food at Delmanor communities listed below: 

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