It follows on from the Dysphagia Solutions toolkit of recipes, techniques and menu development the supplier launched earlier this year.
Mark Taylor, foodservice channel controller at Premier, said: “We are proud to present the next stage of our industry-leading Healthcare Solutions Programmes and remain committed to helping caterers improve the standard of care taken when preparing meals for those with dysphagia and dementia across the foodservice sector.
“We are confident that the next stage of this programme which focuses on dementia will be received with an equally positive response from the industry.”
The Alzheimer’s Society reports that in the UK, the number of people with dementia is 800,000 and this number is expected to increase to over one million by 2021. It adds that 80% of people living in care homes have a form of dementia and up to half have an inadequate food intake.
Taylor said healthcare caterers had a key role in helping to reduce the risk of weight loss for people with dementia by providing a variety of different types of snacks and meals throughout the day to stimulate and motivate people to eat.
“Having worked tirelessly to tackle the issue with a bespoke programme educating and guiding the delivery of dysphagia and dementia meals in care homes and hospitals, our solution encompasses the development of new and improved recipes and a specialist guide to help caterers in their kitchens,” he said.
“The new guide is packed full of top tips and information to help caterers deliver nutritious and appetising meals by using our trusted brands such as Ambrosia, Bisto, McDougalls, Bird’s and Angel Delight, which many caterers keep in their store cupboards.”
For details visit: http://premierfoodservice.co.uk/2014/10/premier-foods-launches-new-healthcare-solutions-programme/