Felician Village is a community-based, retirement residence. Started in 1887 in Manitowoc, Wis., the facility consists of assisted living apartments, independent living garden homes, a rehab center, as well as a community based residential facility.

CHALLENGE

The Felician Village campus was outdated and a two-year construction plan for a new, LEED-based campus was underway. Not only did they need to prepare and serve food for all residents and staff during the construction period, they also needed to move into a new production kitchen. Another goal was to establish new neighborhood-style dining areas and design and open a new upscale area for employee dining.

The administration was dissatisfied with their existing company, especially with their accounting practices. They wanted a professional provider who could offer consistent and quality food service to residents, financial transparency, and a high level of communications. They chose to partner with ABM Healthcare Support Services, an experienced leader in support service management. 

SOLUTION

ABM Healthcare Support Services advised Felician Village on the construction project and facilitated the move from the old campus. After the construction project, ABM upgraded the assisted living resident dining program from a non-selective menu to selective table service and restaurant-style menus with no additional staffing or additional costs. This has helped residents who move from independent to assisted living retain their fine dining experience.

ABM also opened a new retail area for employee meals called The Village Café. It features freshly-baked pastries and desserts prepared on the premises, as well as hot food and ready-to go meals. The Café serves meals to employees, professional staff, visitors, family members, as well as residents who choose it as their dining venue.

ABM staff trained all Felician Village employees in ServSafe, and instituted a professional culinary uniform standard. And, ABM took responsibility for the residence’s Village Market gift shop as well. 

To spark interest and improve morale for employees, ABM implemented fun, monthly raffles and promotions on campus, and also took on community catering events to strengthen Felician Village’s image in the community.

BENEFITS

Felician Village’s expectations have been consistently exceeded by the improved food service programs and transparent financial practices provided by ABM. The upgraded programs and menus have also allowed them to maintain resident satisfaction and provide a great dining experience for everyone. 

ABM highlights at Felician Village include:

• Facilitated construction project and seamlessly transitioned food services to the new facility

• Planned and opened new retail venue for employee meals

• Established open-book financial practices

• Certified 100% of department in ServSafe

• Managed catering services to elevate community image

• Increased resident meal satisfaction with upgraded menus

• Implemented table service and did selective menu in assisted living