Proud Partnerships: Caring for Residents with Complex Neurological Needs

As part of our Proud Partnerships series, we continue to highlight the incredible organisations we’re proud to work alongside and the positive impact our collaborations have on residents’ lives.

We recently caught up with Natasha Charles-Lewis , Director of Finance and Resources at British Homes, a specialist neurological social care provider, to talk about our work together, how the White Oaks team supports their home, and the role tasty food plays in enhancing residents’ daily experiences.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m the Director of Finance and Resources at a specialist neurological social care provider, where we support individuals living with complex neurological conditions. My role focuses on ensuring we have the right resources in place to deliver high-quality care and services for our residents, helping the team provide the support residents need day to day.

How many people currently reside at the home?

We currently support between 82 and 86 residents, each with their own individual needs and preferences.

What has it been like working with White Oaks as a catering partner in your home?

The White Oaks team has always been a pleasure to work with. The Catering Manager goes out of her way to ensure quality meals are provided for both our residents and staff, and the team is always dependable when it comes to catering for events we hold at the charity.

How do the menus from White Oaks support the health, wellbeing and enjoyment of your residents?

It’s a really collaborative relationship. The White Oaks team works closely with our clinical team to tailor meals around each resident’s needs and dietary requirements, so everyone can enjoy food that suits them. Mealtimes are an important part of the day for our residents, so having meals that are both nutritious and enjoyable makes a real difference to their overall wellbeing.

What kind of feedback have you heard from residents about the meals provided by White Oaks?

The feedback from residents has always been very positive. The team makes a real effort to offer a wide range of options, which means there’s usually something for everyone and people can choose meals they genuinely enjoy.

How does White Oaks handle residents’ dietary requirements or changing needs?

They carry out regular surveys and menu reviews to make sure the food continues to meet dietary requirements across the home. The Catering Manager also takes the time to respond to individual requests wherever possible, which helps ensure everyone feels considered and included at mealtimes.

What impact has White Oaks had on the day-to-day lives of your residents?

Our residents are given personalised options, and the menus aim to reflect the wide range of preferences within the home. Having that level of choice helps residents feel more comfortable and supported in their day-to-day lives, and it makes mealtimes something they can genuinely look forward to.

Can you share a memorable moment where White Oaks’ food or service made a real difference?

Our summer party really stands out as a highlight. The food went down a treat, and the feedback from guests was overwhelmingly positive. It created a great atmosphere and played a big part in making the event such a success.

How does White Oaks help you celebrate special occasions or seasonal events in your home?

They often provide an impressive selection of menu options that can be adapted to suit different celebrations and events. That flexibility makes it easier for us to mark special occasions in a way that residents can enjoy and feel part of.

Why would you recommend White Oaks to other senior living homes?

The food is excellent, but what really sets White Oaks apart is the care and commitment of the team. They take the time to understand our residents as individuals, and that attention has a big impact on everyday life in the home.

A big thank you to our partner team for sharing their experiences. It’s always rewarding to see how collaboration can make the world of difference for residents. We look forward to sharing more stories from our Proud Partnerships series soon – stay tuned!

If you’re interested in hearing how White Oaks could support your senior living setting, we’d love to hear from you.