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Food is more than just nutrition, it's a source of pleasure, comfort, and an important part of daily life. When considering a care home for yourself or a loved one, questions about meal quality, choice, and dietary accommodations are often top of mind. At Ashberry Care Homes, we understand that good food is central to wellbeing and quality of life, which is why we place such emphasis on our dining experience.
Our Approach to Food and Nutrition
At Ashberry Care Homes, we believe that mealtimes should be enjoyable social occasions that residents look forward to. Our approach combines nutritional expertise with culinary skill to create meals that are both healthy and delicious. Every aspect of our dining service is designed with residents' enjoyment and wellbeing in mind.
Each of our homes features on-site chefs who prepare fresh, homemade meals daily using quality ingredients, including locally sourced produce where possible. This commitment to freshness ensures meals are not only nutritious but also full of flavour and appeal.
Our food philosophy includes:
- Balanced nutrition tailored to older adults' specific needs
- Fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared on-site
- Variety and choice at every meal
- Familiar, well-loved dishes alongside more adventurous options
- Presentation that stimulates appetite and enhances enjoyment
Accommodating Special Dietary Requirements
We understand that many residents have specific dietary needs, whether for health reasons, personal preference, or cultural and religious requirements. Our kitchen teams are experienced in catering for a wide range of dietary requirements without compromising on taste or presentation.
Common dietary needs we accommodate include:
- Diabetes-friendly meals with controlled carbohydrates
- Low salt options for those managing blood pressure
- Texture-modified diets for dysphagia (swallowing difficulties)
- Vegetarian, vegan, and plant-based options
- Cultural and religious requirements (e.g., halal, kosher)
- Food allergies and intolerances (e.g., gluten-free, lactose-free)
When a new resident joins us, we take time to understand their specific dietary needs and preferences, incorporating these into our meal planning. Our goal is to ensure every resident can enjoy meals that are not only suitable for their needs but genuinely enjoyable.
Dysphagia-Friendly Dining
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is a common condition that requires carefully modified food textures. Rather than offering different meals to those requiring texture modifications, our approach at Ashberry Care Homes is to prepare the same nutritious and tasty meals for everyone, with appropriate texture modifications for those who need them.
Our chefs are trained in preparing texture-modified foods that maintain visual appeal and flavour while being safe to consume. We follow the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) framework to ensure consistent preparation of appropriate textures.
For residents with dysphagia, we offer:
- Carefully pureed versions of the same meals enjoyed by other residents
- Attractive presentation to stimulate appetite
- Consistent textures that meet safety guidelines
- The same nutritional content as standard meals
- Regular assessment and adjustment of texture needs
The Dining Experience
We believe that the environment in which meals are enjoyed is almost as important as the food itself. Our dining rooms are designed to be welcoming, comfortable spaces that encourage socialisation and make mealtimes a highlight of the day.
While we encourage residents to enjoy the social aspect of dining together, we understand that some may prefer to eat in the privacy of their rooms on occasion or regularly. We're happy to accommodate these preferences while ensuring the dining experience remains high-quality regardless of location.
Features of our dining experience include:
- Communal dining rooms with a warm, homely atmosphere
- Flexible dining times to suit different routines
- Option to dine in private rooms when preferred
- Opportunity for family and friends to join for meals
- Special dining events to celebrate occasions and holidays
Hydration and Snacks
Proper hydration is vital for health, particularly for older adults. At Ashberry Care Homes, we ensure that a variety of drinks are available around the clock, with staff regularly offering refreshments throughout the day.
Between meals, residents can enjoy:
- Freshly baked cakes and biscuits with afternoon tea
- Fruit and healthy snack options
- A variety of hot and cold drinks
- Regular hydration rounds throughout the day
- Special treats for birthdays and celebrations
Resident Input and Choice
We believe that residents should have a say in what they eat. Regular feedback is sought on our menus, and suggestions are welcomed and incorporated where possible. Choice is offered at every meal, ensuring that there's always something appealing available.
Our resident-centred approach includes:
- Regular menu reviews with resident input
- Choice of dishes at each mealtime
- Seasonal menu changes to reflect availability and preferences
- Special requests accommodated where possible
- Celebration of food-based events and themed days
Technology in Our Kitchens
To ensure the highest quality food preparation, we're investing in advanced kitchen technology across our care homes. The introduction of Rational Ovens helps our chefs prepare consistently excellent meals with optimal nutritional value and flavour.
This technology enables our kitchen teams to:
- Prepare foods with precise temperature control
- Retain more nutrients during cooking
- Achieve consistent results for texture-modified diets
- Create more varied and complex dishes efficiently
- Maintain food safety with advanced systems
Nutritional Expertise
Our menus are developed with input from nutritional experts who understand the specific dietary needs of older adults. This ensures that meals not only taste good but also provide the right balance of nutrients for optimal health and wellbeing.
Nutritional considerations include:
- Higher protein content to maintain muscle mass
- Appropriate calorie levels for different activity levels
- Sufficient calcium for bone health
- Essential vitamins and minerals
- Healthy fats for brain function
Experiencing Our Dining Service
The best way to understand our approach to food and dining is to experience it firsthand. When visiting our homes, we encourage prospective residents and their families to join us for a meal to sample the quality and choice available.
To learn more about life at our homes or to arrange a visit, please contact us today.
At Ashberry Care Homes, we're proud of our dining service and confident that we can meet a wide range of dietary needs while providing appetising, nutritious meals that residents look forward to each day. We understand that good food is essential to happiness and wellbeing, and we're committed to making every mealtime a positive experience.
