To me, commitment is the foundation for growing a vibrant community.

By Crystal Parker

Working in the kitchen of a senior living environment is a unique and fulfilling experience. Each day presents a new challenge, from managing dietary restrictions to creating meals that bring comfort and joy. We embrace these challenges, knowing that our work goes beyond simply preparing food. We strive to create a sense of home for our residents, ensuring that every meal is a moment of connection and care. Whether it’s a favorite dish that brings back memories or a new recipe that excites their taste buds, we take pride in contributing to their well-being and happiness.

I have worked here at Cedars for over 17 years, with most of that time spent in the culinary department. Through the pre-pandemic, during the pandemic, and now in the post-pandemic world, we’ve faced uncertainty and the challenge of managing the expectations of our residents. Yet, developing and seeing our team rise to these challenges has been incredibly rewarding. Getting to know the residents, listening to their stories, and understanding their unique needs has been a privilege. We constantly strive to move in the right direction, adapting to the expectations of a new generation of residents.

I mentioned that I have worked here at Cedars for over 17 years; this is an extension of my family, as I am committed to fulfilling the expectations of the residents. The families of the residents visit their loved ones, knowing that this is the “home” of the residents. With that, we do work in the residents’ homes, so we try to instill that attitude with the service we provide. I grew up in Lyle and was raised on a farm that was passed down from my grandfather, which I still support daily. There are times when I feel that I have two families to support, each with unique needs.

The common trait is commitment, which I believe is necessary to grow a vibrant community. I enjoy working outdoors, particularly gardening flowers. My favorite is Hollyhocks, which remind me of my grandmother, who always had them growing by the kitchen window.

We recognize that the only way to improve is by getting direct feedback from the residents, and we’ve made it a collaborative effort to enhance the environment. My journey here has been shaped by the invaluable lessons I’ve learned from my mentors, like Jack Erwin and Jason Hudock, who both emphasized going beyond expectations and continually embracing new ideas and processes. This commitment to excellence is what drives us every day to create not just meals but experiences that truly matter.