Nutrition and Hydration Week (March 13-19) has seen some care homes seize the opportunity to promote a good diet for their residents, with both Nellsar and Royal Star & Garter being among the care home groups taking part.
At Nellsar, a group of 13 care homes in the south-east of England, a week-long campaign encouraged homes to engage with recipes, snack cards, competitions and games designed to focus attention on ways to stay hydrated and enjoy a low carb, low sugar diet.
Nellsar head of nutrition Leni Wood said events had ranged from “Mocktail Monday” to show that staying hydrated can be fun to “Fruity Friday” and “Sundae Saturday”, which gave residents the chance to get creative with fruit and veg while also learning useful foodie tips.
“I believe the focus is slowly but surely shifting to improved person-centred nutrition and hydration, which is accessible for all those living in homes across the UK,” Wood said. “There is still a way to go but if we can make waves in Nellsar then other homes can do the same.”
Royal Star & Garter’s care director Pauline Shaw said kitchen crews were “going the extra mile” for veterans at its three care homes. “A good dining experience can help with social interaction, and the consumption of healthy, appetising foods can make a big positive impact on a person’s health, wellbeing and happiness,” she said.