As part of our promise to create a day well lived, every day, for each individual, we place great emphasis on our mealtime experiences throughout all of our care homes.
Mealtimes are definitely one of the highlights of the day for many people, where they join friends in one of our welcoming and homely dining areas to socialise and enjoy an array of freshly prepared, homecooked food based on people’s likes and dislikes.
Dining tables are carefully laid with tablecloths and napkins and we provide a range of suitable cutlery and tableware, specific to people’s needs, to aid independence and dignity. We also like to set the right atmosphere so reduce unnecessary distractions such as loud music and tasks which can wait until after the meal.
Sometimes people may prefer the quiet setting of their room to enjoy their meal, which is absolutely fine with us – our teams are there to support personal choice both in what people choose to eat and also where they enjoy it.
Working in partnership with the individuals who live with us, as well as those who are most important in their lives, we create varied, seasonal menus which incorporate old favourites as well as some newer dishes and flavours which people enjoy trying.
Menus are displayed in advance, enabling people to see what delights are in store. Residents can then either pre-order their meal selection in advance, which they are more than welcome to change, or wait to see which of the variety of options they prefer the look and smell of at the mealtime.
And, if they don’t see anything which takes their fancy, we have a number of alternatives or people are able to request something else of their choice.
We also cater for people who have special dietary requirements, cultural preferences and for people who prefer to be mobile whilst they eat, rather than sitting at the table. We are dedicated to ensuring everyone’s meal, irrespective of what it is and where it’s eaten, looks and tastes lovely.
In addition to our main mealtimes, there are also a variety of snacks available throughout the day and night if someone is feeling a little peckish and our afternoon teas, with home-baked cakes, always prove popular with residents and visitors alike.