Bickford Assisted Living & Memory Care of Crown Point feeds their residents and feeds their residents' souls. In many cultures, food is used to show love, bridge social gaps, and create a physical reminder of memories past.
Taking this to heart is Lori Donelson, Kitchen Manager for Bickford's Crown Point location makes sure that every one of the residents at Bickford has a belly full of good food and a heart full of love.
Since Valentine's Day of 2014, Donelson has been in charge of the kitchen budget, menu planning, grocery shopping, and cooking at Bickford. She and another Cook, Laura, make sure that the meals are on the table on time every time.
Donelson said of her starting date, "I think it's fitting because this place has a big heart."
Before coming to Bickford, Donelson worked in restaurant management and she was the owner of a gift shop and sandwich shop before that. The decline in her mother's health and then sudden passing a year ago pushed Donelson in a different direction then she had planned.
"I feel that part of my success comes from taking care of my mom, loving what I do, and loving the residents here," she said.
Donelson has busy days at Bickford with three meals, scratch-made, that must be made for multiple residents. She also has daily meetings with staff, paperwork, and resident interactions.
"The residents are what make my day great," Donelson said. "You could be having a tough day or the menu is difficult and one of them will come up and share something with you or tell you how happy you make them and it gets my life in check and get back on track."
Shopping locally and seasonally is big with Donelson. This keeps costs low and ensure the freshest produce gets to the residents. Fresh Bread is baked everyday and can be smelled throughout the halls of Bickford. The cafe inside Bickford where the residents dine is actually called The Bread Basket.
"I love to go and hand-select the fruits and vegetables," Donelson said. "And it's nice to support your local farmers and vendors."
Why does Bickford put so much emphasis on food?
"Food is the center of people's days," Donelson said. "It nourishes and comforts them and to me I feel that this is the residents' most important time of the day. They gather in the dining area, talk and eat. And that is just the center of their, and our, day."
And are the residents happy with the offerings?
"We rarely get complaints. And when one does arise we just have to talk to the residents and explain a bit more about the menu and listen to them and then they are happy," Donelson said. "We actually have a resident who owned a restaurant. He was proud and wanted it to be a five-star place so when he comes to us and says that our food is his favorite that is a huge compliment."
Donelson even lets the residents come in to the kitchen to cook with her. They don't always cook, but they talk up a storm and Donelson loves it. She hopes in the near future to start cooking classes with the residents where they cook favorite recipes from their past.
"There's just something about these residents," Donelson said. "It's a very rewarding place to work."
For more information on Bickford Assisted Living & Memory Care Crown Point, call 219-663-0972 or visit their website!