Ask anyone what makes a place feel like home, and food almost always comes up first. A favorite soup. Fresh bread from the oven. A familiar recipe tied to cherished memories.
At Sunol Creek Memory Care in Pleasanton, CA, food is far more than nourishment — it’s a meaningful way to provide comfort, reassurance, and connection for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Thoughtfully prepared meals help residents feel grounded, supported, and at ease, especially during the holiday season when emotions and memories can run especially deep.
Where Familiar Flavors Support Those Living With Dementia
As the holidays approach, our culinary and care teams work closely together to create dining experiences that feel comforting, familiar, and safe. Using fresh, seasonal ingredients and thoughtfully crafted menus, we focus on flavors and aromas residents recognize and enjoy.
For individuals living with memory loss, familiar foods can spark moments of clarity, encourage appetite, reduce anxiety, and foster meaningful engagement. At Sunol Creek, mealtime is an essential part of our person-centered approach to memory care.
Cooking With Heart, Understanding & Purpose
“Food has a way of opening doors. When you prepare someone’s favorite dish, you’re not just serving a meal — you’re honoring their story.”
— Daniel Spicer, VP of Culinary Services, Agemark Senior Living
At Sunol Creek Memory Care, we take time to learn each resident’s life story, preferences, routines, and abilities. Dementia can affect how someone experiences food — including taste, appetite, focus, and independence — and our team adjusts with patience, compassion, and intention.
Whether a resident prefers classic comfort foods, lighter California-inspired dishes, or a familiar favorite from earlier years, every meal is designed to feel approachable, enjoyable, and dignified.
Dining Thoughtfully Designed for Memory Care
Our dining experience is intentionally designed to support individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. On any given day, residents may enjoy:
- Chef-prepared meals made from scratch using fresh ingredients
- Simple, familiar menu options that reduce confusion and overwhelm
- Modified textures (soft, chopped, puréed) that maintain flavor and dignity
- Smaller, more frequent meals to support changing appetites
- High-contrast plating and visual cues to support recognition
- Beloved family recipes that evoke comfort and connection
Small sensory details — the warmth of soup, the smell of baked goods, the sweetness of a favorite dessert — can create powerful moments of calm and joy.
Holiday Traditions That Bring Comfort
The holidays can be both meaningful and challenging for individuals with dementia. Familiar seasonal foods, scents, and traditions can help residents feel grounded and connected during what can otherwise be an overwhelming time.
At Sunol Creek, our culinary team embraces the season with:
- Hands-on baking and simple holiday activities
- Familiar holiday dishes prepared with care and intention
- Festive meals that feel warm, not overwhelming
- Seasonal treats like cocoa or spiced cider served in a calm, supportive setting
These moments offer comfort to residents and reassurance to families that their loved one is cared for with understanding and compassion.
Moments That Nourish More Than the Body
In memory care, meals are about far more than nutrition. They’re opportunities to:
- Provide comfort through routine and familiarity
- Reduce anxiety with predictable mealtime rhythms
- Encourage engagement and connection
- Support dignity and independence
- Spark memories that bring peace and joy
When a resident relaxes at the table, smiles at a familiar dish, or shares a memory prompted by a favorite flavor, it reinforces why thoughtful dining matters.
Holiday Recipes From Our Kitchen to Yours
This holiday season, we’re honored to create moments of comfort and connection through food. As a gift to you, enjoy two festive recipes curated by Chef Maya Wilson of Agemark Senior Living — perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Shrimp Cocktail with Sriracha Lime Cocktail Sauce
by Chef Maya Wilson, Agemark Senior Living
(8–10 servings)
Ingredients
For the shrimp:
- 2 pounds jumbo raw shrimp, tail-on, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Sriracha Lime Cocktail Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon horseradish
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha
- Juice of two limes
- 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
- 1 small clove garlic, chopped
- 2 tablespoons cilantro
Instructions
Place a large bowl of ice water in the sink. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season with Old Bay, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt. Add the shrimp.
Once the water returns to a boil (about 3 minutes), the shrimp should be pink and cooked through. Immediately drain and transfer to the ice-water bath to stop cooking.
To make the sauce, add ketchup, horseradish, Sriracha, lime juice, Worcestershire, garlic, and cilantro to a food processor. Blend until smooth, about 30 seconds.
Serve shrimp over ice with the Sriracha lime cocktail sauce and lime wedges.
Quick and Easy Candy Cane Fudge
by Chef Maya Wilson, Agemark Senior Living
(Yields 24 squares)
Ingredients
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate morsels
- 1 cup milk chocolate morsels
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3 peppermint candy canes, crushed
Instructions
Spray a 14×5 tart pan with non-stick spray. Add the sweetened condensed milk to a saucepan, then top with chocolate morsels and butter.
Place over medium-low heat and stir until melted and smooth. Spread evenly in the prepared pan and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
Refrigerate until set. Remove from pan, slice into bite-sized squares, and store in a covered container in the refrigerator.
