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Empowering Our Teams to Provide Safe, Dignified, and Delicious Mealtimes for Residents with Dysphagia
At Ashberry Healthcare, resident safety and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do — and that includes the way we prepare and serve food. This month, we were proud to deliver hands-on training in the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) to team members from across our care homes.
Led by Gary from Dining with Dignity, the training offered a fresh and engaging approach to learning about dysphagia and how to ensure mealtimes are safe, enjoyable, and dignified for residents with swallowing difficulties.
IDDSI is a global framework that provides a standardised way of preparing and describing texture-modified foods and thickened drinks. It ensures that individuals with dysphagia can enjoy mealtimes with confidence and comfort — without compromising on safety or flavour.
What Did the Training Involve?
The training combined expert knowledge with practical demonstrations to build our teams’ confidence in:
- Understanding dysphagia and the risks associated with incorrect textures
- Learning the IDDSI framework, including food and drink Levels 0–7
- Using IDDSI testing methods like the Fork Drip and Spoon Tilt tests
- Preparing safe and delicious meals and fluids in line with IDDSI levels
- Auditing meals to ensure consistency and compliance
- Presenting modified meals attractively, to enhance dignity and enjoyment
Staff Reflections
The response to the training was overwhelmingly positive, with many staff feeling inspired and more confident in their roles:
“The IDDSI training was a real eye opener. I learnt so much. Our trainer was brilliant and explained everything we needed to know. It’s now so much easier to prepare meals that are both safe and appetising.”— Dawn, Head Chef, The Weir
“We came back to Holmer full of enthusiasm! We understand dysphagia much more clearly now and are excited to see what we can create for our residents.”— Bev & Avril, Chefs, Holmer Court
“I thoroughly enjoyed the training. We’d never seen IDDSI meals done correctly like that before. I was buzzing after the session.”— Dawn, Head chef, Blaenos House
Reflecting on the day, Gary from Dining with Dignity shared:
"It was fantastic to see how open-minded and engaged everyone was during the training. The teams truly want to care for their residents as if they were their own family. I wanted to show that with the right techniques, creating safe, appetising, and dignified meals is possible in any kitchen — no matter the skill level or equipment available. It’s all about making food look delicious and ensuring every resident feels valued at mealtimes."
— Gary, Dining with Dignity
Our Ongoing Commitment
Thanks to Gary from Dining with Dignity, our teams are now better equipped than ever to support residents with dysphagia. This training has not only strengthened our understanding — it’s ignited a new enthusiasm for creativity in modified meals.
We remain committed to making every mealtime safe, dignified, and enjoyable for all our residents.
To learn more about IDDSI or dining with dysphagia at Ashberry Healthcare, feel free to get in touch with your local home or explore Dining with Dignity.
