Shanna Eller is one of the residents’ favorite people at The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence in Powell, Tennessee. She is the food service director, and with 21 years of experience in senior living and memory care culinary service, she has learned a lot about how to create delicious and nutritious meals that bring smiles to the residents’ faces.
Although she has only been food service director at the Powell location for a few months, she worked at Morning Pointe Senior Living’s Lantern community in Lenoir City, Tennessee, for two years prior to that. Shanna has also been cooking since she was in high school. “I love being able to create new things,” she said of her choice of career. “People are happy when they eat, especially if it’s a good meal.”
One thing that drew Shanna to food service in the senior living industry is the variety of tasks – from cooking to meal planning, organizing, cleaning, training other staff and (of course) seeing the residents enjoying the fruit of her labor. “It’s very different from a restaurant,” she said. “You never know how you can impact someone’s day.”
Memory Care Food Service
Memory care food service has its own challenges and rewards. For example, as Shanna pointed out, food such as meat has to be cut up for the residents, while still looking good. Garnishes such as lemon wedges stay off the plate since residents with dementia may not know they are supposed to squeeze them.
“You have to be adaptive,” Shanna shared. “I think sometimes people look down on the food served at memory care communities, but we make it just as high in quality. Mealtimes are an important part of the residents’ day.”
At The Lantern at Morning Pointe of Powell, Shanna has become well known for her pumpkin pie, her delectable soups, and her good Southern meatloaf. But no matter what’s on the menu for the day, she always strives to serve what the residents like while providing the nutrition they need. She is also working toward her certification as a Certified Dietary Manager.
“I just enjoy the ability to please the residents, to provide what’s comforting to them,” Shanna said.
