HKR International Limited (“HKRI”)’s corporate volunteer team, HKRI Care & Share, partnered with The Project Futurus, a social enterprise that promotes positive aging, to organise an interactive event, Sensory Restaurant on Wheels, at the Sze Tian Rhenish Home for the Elderly in Kwai Shing West Estate. The initiative recreated a nostalgic “yum cha” experience with visually appealing, aromatic and flavourful softmeal dimsum, boosting the appetite of the elderly with swallowing difficulties. Despite being in an elderly home, the residents rediscovered the joy of dining with a unique and unforgettable “yum cha” experience.

The “Sensory Restaurant on Wheels” offers an immersive multisensory experience for the elderly, stimulating their visual, tactile, olfactory, gustatory and auditory senses. The elderly home was transformed into a traditional tea house, featuring nostalgic melodies, teacups, teapots, dimsum carts and bill cards. The elderlies were fully immersed in an authentic and vibrant atmosphere. Volunteers, dressed up in qipao and restaurant uniforms, assumed roles such as managers, receptionists, waiters and chefs, and delivered an exemplary service to the elderly. They assisted with seating, served tea, took orders and delivered food, successfully evoking the sweet and cherished “yum cha” memories for the participants.  

Many participants of the event have dementia or varying degrees of swallowing difficulties. Our volunteers prepared regular, minced and soft versions of shrimp dumplings, siu mai and BBQ pork rice rolls, ensuring the seniors with different levels of swallowing difficulties could enjoy the meal together. The enticing aroma of the exquisitely crafted dimsum significantly stimulated their appetites. As they savoured the food, they engaged with their tablemates, sharing unforgettable memories of celebrating special occasions such as birthdays and weddings at restaurants.   

Before the event, the corporate volunteers participated in a “softmeal workshop” organised by HKRI Care & Share and The Project Futurus. The volunteers gained a thorough understanding of softmeals and the dietary requirements for people with swallowing difficulties, and tried their hand at making softmeal dimsum. Based on the guidelines of food texture and liquid consistency defined by the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI), they calculated the precise quantity of ingredients, adjusted the ratio of food thickener and blended real food into pastes. Using molds, they recreated the food pastes into dimsum-like shapes, making them look authentic and appealing. The delicious, easy-to-chew-and-swallow softmeal versions were almost indistinguishable from real dimsum, offering a stark contrast to typical pureed meals.

Currently, approximately 60% of the residents in elderly homes across Hong Kong experience varying degrees of swallowing difficulties, which significantly affect their health and social lives. In response, “HKRI Care & Share” is delighted to sponsor individuals in need to attend Softmeal Workshops for free. By promoting softmeals, HKRI hopes to help more elderlies and people with swallowing difficulties regain their appetite, rediscover the joy of eating, improve their quality of life and overall well-being, and live with greater dignity.


About HKR International Limited
HKR International Limited has diversified interests in real estate development and investment, property management, luxury hotels and serviced apartments, and other investments in Hong Kong, mainland China and across Asia.

The Company’s diverse portfolio includes Discovery Bay and CDW Building in Hong Kong, HKRI Taikoo Hui in Shanghai, and a number of premium residential properties under development in Shanghai, Jiaxing and Hangzhou. HKRI has been listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong since 1989, under the Stock Code of 00480.

Website: www.hkri.com

 

Ends

This press release is issued by HKR International Limited.