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At Ashberry, we believe that mealtimes should be more than just a routine - they should be moments of joy, connection, and choice. Across our homes, we have been making exciting strides to enhance the dining experience, ensuring that residents feel comfortable, dignified, and empowered.
Elevating Dining at Broomy Hill
At Broomy Hill Nursing Home in Hereford, we have introduced significant changes to improve the mealtime experience. Our kitchen team now serves meals directly from the dining room rather than pre-plating, ensuring freshness and offering residents greater flexibility in their choices. To further elevate the dining experience, we have replaced plastic plates and cups with proper tableware, creating a more homely and dignified atmosphere.
Staff have undergone specialised training to foster a warm and welcoming dining environment, ensuring that every mealtime is a pleasurable occasion. In addition, we have implemented protected mealtimes, ensuring our residents can enjoy their meals without unnecessary disturbances and allowing them to focus on their meals in a relaxed setting. Our staff actively participate, providing support where needed and sharing in the experience, making mealtimes a social and enjoyable part of the day. Looking ahead, we plan to implement “Meal Passports,” a personalised tool to document each resident’s dietary preferences and needs, ensuring they receive meals tailored to their tastes.
Embracing Change at Moorhouse
Following in Broomy Hill’s footsteps, Moorhouse Care Home in Surrey has also adopted exciting new dining practices. Residents now have the opportunity to choose their meals with the help of “show plates” presented by the kitchen team, allowing them to make informed and satisfying selections. Breakfast at Moorhouse has been transformed into a shared experience, fostering social interaction and encouraging residents to prepare their own drinks and meals, promoting independence while addressing weight and hydration concerns.
To further support residents’ autonomy, the newly created Lutyens Lounge, inspired by the “Breakfast Club” concept, provides a relaxed space where residents can prepare their own drinks with assistance from the Wellbeing Team. This initiative helps maintain daily routines and encourages a sense of independence. We have also introduced new table menus for lunch service, allowing residents to browse their options and enjoy their meals in style.
Read more about Moorhouse's Breakfast Club here.
Helping Hands
At Holmer Court Care Home, residents have embraced the spirit of community by actively participating in mealtime routines. They assist in setting tables and serving drinks, creating a warm, family-like atmosphere. Home Manager Claire Boulter shared, “It was so lovely, and the fact that they do this regularly… it felt like one big family.”
Similarly, at Meadowview Care Home, residents John and Nicky continuously help set tables and engage with their fellow residents, reinforcing the sense of togetherness and purpose that makes mealtimes so special.
Looking Ahead: Training and Expansion
As we continue to roll out these changes across our homes in 2025, we are excited to introduce tailored training programs designed to enhance staff skills and understanding. With the expertise of Amy Clay (Resident Experience Manager), Shaun Lock (Director of Care) and our Dementia Leads, we will be developing bespoke “Dining Experience Training” to further enrich the quality of mealtimes.
Additionally, “Mealtime Passports” will be introduced to ensure every resident’s individual needs and preferences are met with the right tools and support. By prioritising dignity, choice, and engagement, we are dedicated to making mealtimes not just nourishing but truly special.
A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated staff for their continued efforts in transforming dining experiences across our homes. Together, we are creating meaningful moments, one meal at a time.
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