Sienna's Culinary Academy: Redefining Dining in Long-Term Care

In the world of long-term care, there's a recognition that food isn't just about sustenance—it's an essential part of the resident experience. Sienna Senior Living is embarking on a unique initiative to change how we think about food in long-term care. Ann Lajeunese, Manager Culinary & Environmental Services and Kire Boseovski, Sienna's Long-term Care Executive Chef, created the Sienna Culinary Academy to achieve this goal. This innovative program focuses on teaching culinary skills that allow teams to introduce new recipes and flavours to residents.

The Culinary Academy

Elevating food and dining in long-term care is a major focus for Chef Boseovski. The Culinary Academy aims to ensure the kitchens at our long-term care homes in Ontario and British Columbia have strong foundational culinary skills and to build on techniques and trends through  immersive, hands-on practice. Ann and Chef Boseovski have led more than 40 teaching events, which involve getting to know the teams, preparing meals together, sharpening knife skills and other fundamentals of cooking.

Chef Boseovski has helped teams perfect a meal they wanted to improve, introduced new flavours to enhanced menu offerings and had each home try their hand at the popular burger trend – the smash burger. This simple yet delicious creation has become a hit among residents in some of Sienna's homes. It's not just about making a better burger; it's about demonstrating the difference between good and exceptional food.

From restaurants to long-term care

Chef Boseovski is a trained culinary expert and an experienced teacher, having taught at colleges before joining the long-term care sector. What brought him here?

His personal connection—seeing his grandfather in long-term care highlighted the importance of food for seniors. This role is unique in long-term care, showcasing Sienna's dedication to culinary excellence. Driven by a desire to make a difference, Chef Boseovski is committed to transforming the culinary landscape in long-term care.

Hands-On Training

The Culinary Academy is a game-changer for Sienna's culinary team members. From culinary school graduates to those who are new to the world of cooking, the program caters to a diverse range of skill levels. This hands-on training experience is often the first for many who are working in long-term care, opening doors to new culinary horizons.

Chef Boseovski's passion for teaching and continuous learning is evident. He believes in the power of education to drive positive change. To ensure the program meets the specific needs of each community, he surveys the team in advance, asking them what they want to learn, which empower team members with knowledge and confidence.

Exciting Times Ahead

With a new October fall menu, Chef Boseovski is excited about incorporating seasonal ingredients like corn, squash, and potatoes into Sienna’s recipes. For Chef Boseovski and the team members in the kitchen, it’s not just about cooking; it's about enhancing the lives of seniors and making a difference—one delicious meal at a time.