“I’ve seen this year’s cultural themes really empower our residents and open them up to trying new flavors that they may not have ever tasted before,” said Anthony Pacchioni, Waveny’s Director of Dining Services. “Our program provides a great opportunity to explore, and it highlight our residents’ cultural heritage by celebrating our similarities and differences through food.”
Through the organization’s “A Meal in the Life” program, Waveny’s seniors have enjoyed the cuisines of Russia, Italy, Germany, Japan, China and several other nations, as well as dishes from Native American and African American traditions.
As part of the program, the seniors are encouraged to share their personal cultural traditions with each other to inspire, inform and learn. “They’ve really connected with each other through culture and cuisine,” said Pacchioni. “When our ‘Meal in the Life’ theme resonates with them, they don’t hesitate to share stories of their family, their heritage, their childhood, and even their favorite family recipes. A common thread shared by every culture worldwide has proven to be that we all connect through food.”
Waveny LifeCare Network provides a comprehensive continuum of healthcare to serve the changing needs of older adults from all areas. Waveny is a non-profit organization that offers independent living at The Inn, assisted living and respite care for people with memory impairment at The Village, and skilled nurse-assisted, inpatient and outpatient Rehabilitation Services at Waveny Care Center. It also includes the Brown Geriatric Evaluation Clinic, an Adult Day Program that provides free door-to-door transportation throughout most of lower Fairfield County. For more information, visit their website.