EF-Group provides procurement solutions and menu management tools across a number of UK industries, including the healthcare and education sectors.
Lally commented: “Searching for ways to make mealtimes more relaxing and enjoyable for your care home residents? As we get older, our preferences and tastes change. Because of this, caterers in the care sector might need to find new and exciting ways to bring joy back into mealtimes for residents and ensure they’re eating and drinking enough.”
Regular menu rotation
When residents are offered the same food time and time again, they’re likely to get bored eventually. Introducing a regular menu rotation every few weeks can help catering teams in the care industry create a more varied offering.
Introduce more cultural and diverse meal options
Providing new culinary experiences and flavours can be a great way to diversify the nutritional offering of meals for residents. Host themed days with food options from different cultures and advertise these in advance so that residents can become excited about trying something new.
Get residents involved
What better way to make mealtimes more enjoyable than by asking what they want? Speak to residents to find out how they feel about the current menu and see if they have any suggestions. Tailoring your food and drink offerings to residents’ preferences and needs can help make mealtimes much more enjoyable for everyone. For example, if somebody would prefer softer foods, smaller portions or specific ingredients, you should find a way to incorporate these things into the menus.
Portion control
Take the time to assess your portion sizes and decide whether these are suitable. If you find that your portion sizes are too big or too small, or that residents aren’t receiving enough hydration, you should adjust your approach accordingly. Portion sizes can have a huge impact on residents, and if you get this right, it can improve satisfaction at mealtimes and snack times.
Make mealtimes a social experience
Residents who eat alone might feel isolated and lonely, which can leave them with a lack of appetite. If possible, it can be helpful to bring residents together at mealtimes so that they can mingle. Not only can this encourage meal uptake, but it can also create an enjoyable mealtime atmosphere that residents look forward to each day.