Nutrition & hydration

We’re committed to helping residents to eat well and stay hydrated

Fresh focus on food

Every main meal is home-cooked and freshly prepared each day. We also do our best to source fresh produce from local businesses wherever possible.

Plenty of choice

Each day starts with a good breakfast, including a cooked option, served at a time that suits you. During the day there’s a main meal and a lighter meal – with the main meal often served in the evening. This three-course meal includes at least two hot main course choices plus plenty of vegetables and a hot pudding. To ensure we cater to every individual need and appetite, our kitchenettes and food stations around the home are well-stocked with snacks and drinks, so residents can help themselves to anything they like when hunger pangs strike, day or night. Learn more about how we  personalise meals to tailor to residents needs. 

Fresh ideas and classic dishes

Our chefs change menus seasonally and the menus operate on a three-week rotation. There are always classic dishes, such as fish and chips and roast dinners, as well as more exotic options. There’s always plenty to go around, and residents are always welcome to seconds (or even thirds) if they wish. Why not take a look at some sample menus.

Nutritional intake

As we get older it can become harder to get the right nutrition and hydration. Loss of appetite, changes in taste and even a difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia) can create challenges. All our chefs follow the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative to ensure consistent quality and safety standards.

Our Hotel Services Team publish their own unique recipe books full of delicious and nutritious meal and snack ideas that can be easily modified into different textures or fortified to increase calorie intakes. Allergies and intolerances are all catered for too, enabling residents to enjoy the same food choices regardless of their individual needs.

Drinking plenty of fluids

 

Dehydration is a common problem in later life, however, all of us need at least 6-8 glasses of water a day to support our bodies to say healthy. Our kitchen teams create a range of hydrating food and drink, from refreshing fruit and vegetable infused waters, to healthy ice lollies, jelly bite sweets and Italian-inspired granitas. They find plenty of creative and delicious ways to help residents stay hydrated.

Hot and cold drinks are always available and the fresh water in rooms is refreshed regularly. Most of our homes have hydration stations with self-serve WaterADE drinks systems, giving residents instant access to low-calorie, sugar-free fruit drinks that are fortified with extra vitamins and are visually appealing to people living with dementia. Combining flavours can create unique ‘mocktails’ for a sense of occasion and fun

Take a look at our hydration guide, full of tips and recipes to keep hydrated. 

Making food fun

 

Our chefs love to prepare sweet treats for morning coffee or afternoon tea. From making personal celebrations such as birthdays and anniversaries memorable and special, to events such as Chinese New Year or Valentine’s Day, there’s always an excuse to produce fun or festive foods for residents to enjoy. Residents are also supported to roll up their sleeves and get involved. Baking is one of the most popular activities across our homes. It’s fantastic for reminiscence, for stimulating appetites, and for socialising – everyone gets to enjoy the results!

Dedicated to delivering the best

Download our Food and Dining Promise, Care UK’s commitment to delivering the finest in food, hydration and dining to all our care home residents.

Explore advice on eating well and keeping hydrated from the experts

We've gathered up tips from a range of specialists in care for older people. These two guides cover topics like how to help a loved one stay healthy and hydrated. 

You can explore all the advice our experts have to offer by downloading the free guides below, or get a flavour from these 10 tips for eating as we age.