Dining in senior living communities can be so much more than just providing food—it's about crafting an experience that brings joy and comfort to residents every day. At Maris Grove, an Erickson Senior Living community, this transformation is happening through the RATIONAL iCombi Pro. With its innovative approach, this technology is making restaurant-style dining a reality for senior residents.
Crafting a Person-Centered Dining Experience
According to Bill Tian, Senior Director at Erickson Senior Living, their mission goes beyond merely serving food:
“What I love about the senior living sector, especially at Erickson, is we take care of folks. We take care of them through nourishing them with food,” says Tian.
Erickson's commitment to a person-centered approach means offering more than just standard, limited meal options often seen in healthcare environments. Instead, they focus on providing varied and appealing choices—much like what residents would enjoy outside an assisted living setting. The RATIONAL iCombi Pro plays a key role here, with its precision and versatility allowing the staff to prepare a broader array of fresh meals, ultimately giving residents more independence in their dining choices.
Turning Limitations into Opportunities
Executive Chef Justin Pagano highlights how the iCombi Pro has helped tackle challenges like staffing, equipment constraints, and limited kitchen space.
“Here in our continuing care facility, we've always faced some limitations, whether it be staffing, equipment, or space,” says Pagano. “What the iCombi has done for us is turn a lot of those limitations into opportunities.”
Thanks to the iCombi Pro, Erickson’s culinary team can replicate a la carte cooking that aligns with residents' expectations. Food quality is at the heart of their offerings, and this technology ensures every meal is freshly prepared and consistently satisfying—meeting the high standards of residents who value quality dining.
Redefining Dining Standards in Senior Living
Philip Maloney, Senior Director of Culinary Operations, further explains the broader impact of the iCombi Pro’s flexibility:
“Being able to utilize the technology of RATIONAL, specifically in this venue of assisted living, really allows us to bring that style of cooking—the grilling, the searing, the steaming, the finishing—to our residents who are used to a more traditional style of service,” says Maloney.
With the iCombi Pro, the culinary team is no longer bound by the constraints of a traditional kitchen. This tool has helped elevate dining standards, enabling a consistently high-quality menu that enhances the experience for both residents and their families. The emphasis is on delivering not just good food but a dining experience that provides comfort and joy.
Bringing Quality and Independence to Every Meal
The RATIONAL iCombi Pro has been pivotal in transforming Erickson Senior Living’s approach to dining. It provides the flexibility, independence, and quality needed to make every meal a satisfying one. By supporting a person-centered mission, this advanced technology helps Erickson deliver the dining experiences residents deserve—turning meal times into moments of connection and joy.
Want to see how we can help transform your dining services? Reach out to High Sabatino for a foodservice equipment assessment and take the first step towards elevating your foodservice operations today.
