11 September 2025
A new program at Silvera’s Westview Town Suites is transforming dinnertime into a new experience.
“We believe that dining is more than just a meal; it’s an opportunity to connect, engage, and enhance residents’ quality of life,” says Krista Gerelus, Technical Advisor, Dining Services.
With this in mind, Krista designed a new Respectful Dining program to help ensure resident meals are special daily experiences.
Inspired by the Alberta senior housing industry’s Kind Dining initiative, Silvera’s Respectful Dining program includes four in-person staff training modules. Each session covers a range of topics, from an introduction to respectful dining to personal hygiene to etiquette, ensuring Silvera staff are equipped to provide a great dining experience for residents.
Currently, the Respectful Dining program is being rolled out at Westview, Silvera’s market-rate community in the southwest, where residents pay for extra services and programs.
One of the key aspects of the Westview program is a focus on plated service. The typical dining experience at Silvera is with a Suzy Q cart that moves around each dining room from table to table, serving residents buffet style. Executing plated service involves training dining attendants, evening attendants and cooks how to present meals and interact with residents in a plated meal setting.
“The program also emphasizes the importance of non-verbal communication and positive body language to create a welcoming and pleasant dining environment,” explains Krista.
Additionally, the training includes practical aspects such as table settings, as well as understanding ingredients and preparation methods. Daily kitchen huddles provide a hands-on opportunity for staff to taste the food and learn about the meal they are serving.
Since the program’s launch in early August, feedback from residents and employees alike has been overwhelmingly positive. Staff members feel more confident in their roles, and residents have noticed the improvements.
“Ultimately, the Respectful Dining program is about creating a culture of excellence and connecting with residents,” says Krista. “By asking residents each day about their meals and preferences, we encourage open communication and are also able to continually improve.”
Krista says Silvera’s Learning and Development department has been instrumental in helping her launch the Respectful Dining program.
“It has been a real team effort. I look forward to rolling this out to more communities at Silvera in the future.”
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| Westview dining attendant Kim Tran was the first Westview Town Suites employee to complete the new Respectful Dining training. Here she is presented with her certificate of completion by Krista Gerelus and Westview chef Nathan Ferec. | Westview employees in a Respectful Dining training session. |