Supporting Senior Wellbeing with Quality Care Home Food Menus

In our latest blog, we explore how tasty, well-balanced food menus in care homes and beyond help keep residents healthy, happy, and energised.

A varied and balanced diet is important for overall health and wellbeing throughout life, but it is particularly vital in our golden years. Ensuring that seniors maintain a healthy and varied diet is one of our utmost priorities. One way we achieve this is through curating nutritious yet delicious food menus in care home settings, residential homes and senior living sites.

Nutrition later in life

The nutritional requirements of older adults differ slightly from those of the general adult population. Emphasis should be placed on consuming a nutrient-rich diet that includes a variety of foods from all major food groups, such as fruits, vegetables, dairy or dairy alternatives, and protein-rich foods. Adequate fluid intake is also an important consideration. When we create menus for care homes and beyond, we take care to promote a diet with:

• Protein-rich options for muscle maintenance
• Calcium and vitamin D for bone health
• Omega-3 for heart health
• Fibre-rich foods for digestive health
• Hydrating foods and beverages

Benefits from body to mind

A well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet provides the essential energy and nourishment needed to maintain wellness, stay active, and support long-term health as we age. In addition, we can positively influence residents’ mood and mental wellbeing by ensuring they take pleasure in the food and drink they consume. Making mealtimes enjoyable and social, with menus that feature familiar and comforting items, helps create a sense of connection and satisfaction. Our goal is to serve nutrient-dense, home-style meals that promote health and bring joy, creating dining experiences that are both comforting and productive.

Personalised care home food menus

We want seniors to be active partners in shaping the meals they enjoy. Rather than introducing meals without input, a personal food journal is completed prior to, or during, their admission. Not only does this enable us to discuss their dietary needs and preferences, but also means we learn about the resident’s food story. This way, we ensure that our senior living and care home menus can be adapted to individual health requirements, allergies, and personal preferences.

Wellness beyond meals

Our approach to wellbeing in care homes and senior living environments extends far beyond high food standards. We’re committed to addressing mental wellbeing as well as physical health. One way we tackle this is by providing residential engagement support to bring people together, encouraging shared activities like afternoon tea, biscuit decorating and gentle exercise to uplift seniors beyond the dining room experience.