Is there an extra cost or fees for meals?

At Evergreen, we believe that nutritious meals are a fundamental part of our members' well-being and overall experience. Therefore, all meals are included as part of the membership, with no extra cost or fees for any of the meals provided. This includes our varied breakfast, lunch, and afternoon coffee/tea snack options. Our aim is to ensure that all members have access to balanced, nutritious meals without having to worry about additional charges, enhancing their quality of life and ensuring everyone enjoys the same high standard of dining.

Are meals available to all members?

Yes, meals are available to all members of Evergreen. We pride ourselves on creating a welcoming dining environment where every member can enjoy healthy, chef-prepared meals together. From continental breakfasts to nutritious lunches and enjoyable afternoon snacks, our meal services are designed to cater to the needs and preferences of our entire community. We encourage all members to join in the communal dining experiences, as they are a fantastic opportunity to socialize, engage, and enjoy delicious food prepared with their health and dietary needs in mind.

Can Evergreen accommodate vegetarian or vegan dietary preferences?

Yes, Evergreen is committed to accommodating vegetarian and vegan dietary preferences. We understand the importance of providing diverse meal options that cater to various dietary needs and ethical choices. Our chef-prepared menus include a variety of plant-based meals that are not only nutritious but also flavorful and satisfying. From our breakfast selections to lunch options and snacks, we ensure that vegetarian and vegan members find appealing choices every day. We believe in the importance of offering balanced and inclusive meal options to ensure all our members enjoy delicious, healthful dining experiences that align with their dietary preferences.

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Nutrition For The Elderly

Welcome to our essential guide on nutrition for the elderly, where making healthy food choices becomes the cornerstone of a fulfilling, vibrant life in the later years. Proper nutrition and food services play a significant role in maintaining strength, mobility, cognitive function, and overall well-being, ensuring a balanced diet meets the daily nutrient intake levels required for optimal health.

Our guide is crafted to empower seniors, caregivers, and family members with knowledge and practical tips to prevent muscle loss, enhance muscle function, and potentially extend the maximal lifespan. From exploring prepared foods that align with a healthy diet to understanding the intricacies of crafting enjoyable, nutritious meals, we're here to facilitate a dietary journey that champions the vitality and longevity of the elderly.

Healthy & Nutritious Meals For Members

At Evergreen, we take pride in offering meals that stand out not just for their nutritional value but for the warm, community-focused experience they provide, distinguishing us from other adult day centers. Our approach to mealtime centers on the perfect blend of balanced nutrition, home-cooked style, and a touch of fun, ensuring every dish is a delightful experience for our members.

Our meals are crafted by a talented local chef, bringing a unique flair to every plate served. This home-cooked style ensures that each meal is not only healthy and nutritious but also infused with flavors that remind our members of a hearty, home-prepared meal. Unlike the standard fare found at many day centers, our kitchen focuses on creating dishes that are both appealing and packed with the necessary nutrients to support the daily nutrient intake levels, muscle function, and overall well-being of our members.

We understand the importance of variety and choice in promoting a healthy diet. That's why we offer a range of options at every meal, balancing nutrition with the pleasure of eating.

Our menu is designed to cater to diverse tastes and dietary needs, ensuring that there's something enjoyable for everyone. This balance of nutrition and fun makes mealtime a highlight of the day, something our members always look forward to.

Furthermore, we believe mealtime is about more than just eating; it's a time for community and connection. Our staff members dine with our members, fostering a family-like atmosphere that is rare in day care centers. This practice promotes community, encourages conversation, and ensures that mealtime is a shared, enjoyable experience for everyone involved. It's an integral part of our service that enhances the sense of belonging and togetherness among our members and staff alike.

At Evergreen, meals are more than just food on a plate; they are a core part of our commitment to providing an enriching, supportive environment for our members. Through our focus on balanced diets, community dining, and the personal touch of meals prepared by a local chef, we offer an unparalleled dining experience that nourishes both the body and the spirit.

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Why Is Good Nutrition Important For The Elderly?

Good nutrition is foundational for maintaining optimal health, especially for the elderly. At Evergreen Studio, we prioritize offering healthy and nutritious meals because we understand the profound impact diet has on our members' overall well-being. Here's why a healthy and nutritious diet is crucial for our elderly members:

Maintain Muscle Mass: As we age, maintaining muscle mass becomes a challenge, but it's essential for mobility, strength, and independence. Our meals, prepared by a local chef, are rich in high-quality proteins and essential nutrients that support muscle function and prevent muscle loss. By incorporating a balanced diet that includes daily nutrient intake of proteins, vitamins, and minerals, we help our members preserve their muscle mass and functionality.

Prevent Cardiovascular Disease: A healthy diet plays a key role in cardiovascular health. Our meals are designed to support heart health by including a variety of nutrient-dense, low-sodium foods that are high in fiber and healthy fats. By choosing ingredients that contribute to a balanced diet and avoiding processed and high-fat foods, we aim to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases among our members, ensuring they enjoy a maximal lifespan with optimal health.

Improve Cognitive Function: Nutrition significantly affects cognitive function and can be a powerful tool in combating cognitive decline. Our meals feature ingredients known to support brain health, such as omega-3 fatty acids from fish, antioxidants from colorful fruits and vegetables, and essential vitamins from whole grains. We offer options that balance nutrition and fun, ensuring that meals are not only a pathway to maintaining cognitive health but also an enjoyable part of the day

Chef Prepared Meals With Options For Everyone

At Evergreen, our breakfast menu offers a continental style with a variety of nutritious options to ensure a delightful start to the day for our members.

Here’s a look at how we make mornings special:

Continental spread with a selection of whole-grain breads, fresh fruits, various cheeses and locally-made pastries.
Oatmeal topped with walnuts, blueberries, and a hint of honey.
Avocado toast on whole-grain bread, complemented by poached eggs and sprinkled with chia seeds.

Our lunch options are designed to provide balanced nutrition and cater to diverse tastes:

Grilled chicken breast over a mixed greens salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a balsamic vinaigrette, accompanied by quinoa salad.
Baked salmon with a side of roasted sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli.
Vegetable stir-fry with tofu served over brown rice.
Turkey and avocado wrap with a side of fresh fruit salad, offering a perfect blend of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins.
Lentil soup with a variety of vegetables, served with whole-grain bread, a hearty and comforting option rich in fiber and protein.
Beef and vegetable kebabs with a side of Greek salad, combining lean protein with fresh, vibrant vegetables for a Mediterranean flair.
Pasta primavera with a variety of seasonal vegetables, tossed in olive oil and garlic, providing a light yet satisfying vegetarian option.

Our afternoon coffee and tea time at Evergreen is not just a break in the day; it's a delightful ritual that brings everyone together for relaxation and enjoyment.

Here are six snack ideas that we might incorporate; all are both healthy and fun, designed to complement this cherished time of day:

Wine and Cheese Pairing: A sophisticated selection of cheeses paired with fine wines, allowing our members to indulge in a bit of luxury while engaging in lively conversation. This pairing is a favorite, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Fresh Baked Cookies: Baked daily by our members as part of our engaging activities, these cookies come straight out of the oven to accompany our afternoon tea or coffee. The aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Fruit and Nut Platters: A vibrant array of seasonal fruits served alongside a variety of nuts, providing a nutritious yet fun option that's easy to share and enjoy together.
Vegetable Crudités with Hummus: Freshly cut vegetables served with a side of creamy hummus for dipping, making for a refreshing and healthy snack that's also fun to eat.
Mini Quiches: Prepared during our daytime cooking activities, these mini quiches are a delightful savory treat, offering a tasty and nutritious snack that's just the right size for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.
Scones and Jam: Freshly baked scones served with a selection of jams and clotted cream, allowing members to indulge in a classic tea-time treat with all the fixings.

At Evergreen, afternoon coffee and tea time is more than a meal; it's an experience. By involving our members in the preparation of snacks, such as baking cookies or assembling fruit and nut platters, we foster a sense of community and accomplishment. This daily ritual not only provides an opportunity for social interaction but also ensures that our members enjoy healthy, fun, and delicious snacks every day.

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Will Evergreen Cover My Parents Special Dietary Needs?

At Evergreen, we understand the importance of catering to the diverse dietary needs of our members, ensuring they enjoy not only delicious but also nutritious meals that contribute to their health and well-being. While we strive to accommodate a variety of dietary preferences and requirements, there are some specific diets where our capabilities might be limited.

Here’s how we approach special dietary needs:

Diabetes: While we aim to include low-sugar options in our meals and snacks, our menu is designed to appeal to a broad range of members, which might not always meet the specific requirements of a diabetic diet.
Soft Foods: Our daily meal offerings do include options that are naturally softer and easier to chew, catering to those who may have difficulty with harder or crunchier foods.
Celiac/Gluten Free/Gluten Sensitivity: Given the complexities involved in preparing gluten-free meals in a cross-contamination-free environment, we are currently limited in our ability to provide fully gluten-free meals for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Kosher: Preparing Kosher meals requires adherence to specific dietary laws that our current kitchen setup and meal preparation processes are not equipped to accommodate.

However, recognizing the importance of supporting the health and satisfaction of all our members, we place a strong emphasis on offering Low Sodium options as part of our commitment to promoting heart health and overall well-being. Our kitchen focuses on fresh, whole ingredients and minimizes the use of added salt and high-sodium products in our cooking.

While we may not be able to meet all specialized dietary needs, we are dedicated to providing a dining experience that is both enjoyable and mindful of general nutritional principles.

We encourage families to discuss any specific dietary concerns with us, as we are always looking for ways to enhance our service and accommodate our members' needs to the best of our ability. At Evergreen, the health and happiness of our members are our top priorities, and we welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can best support your loved ones.