Red Oaks care home celebrates National Nutrition and Hydration Week

Care workers at the home teamed up with hospitality staff to ensure each resident’s dietary requirements and care needs were met.

Increasing knowledge of the importance of nutrition and hydration among residents and staff is something that is key to maintaining and improving a person’s wellbeing.

During the week the home devised an exciting, challenging and fun schedule of activities, meetings and competitions.

Every day at Red Oaks the home held a special event aimed at nutrition and hydration.

Monday started the week off with a continental breakfast, Tuesday was wacky snacky day with an enticing range of finger food in the morning. On Wednesday residents made a range of different sandwiches for the tea party where resident enjoyed all the fruits of their labour.

Thursday was thirsty Thursday with a range of unusual drinks with Friday being fruity Friday with a selection of fruits from around the world. The weekend continued the theme with Saturday being smoothie Saturday and everyone tasting a new range of smoothies and finally to end the week sundae Sunday.

Chefs always speak with the residents they cook for to find out more about their likes and dislikes, suggesting new dishes and ingredients for them to try.

A taste test has been arranged by head chef Leigh Clifford to get residents trying new dishes.

Linda Ryan, general manager at the home, said “Chefs are trained to meet our residents’ specific dietary requirements as well as all their like[s] and dislikes. In addition to being trained in how to cook delicious and well prepared food, the chefs are trained in nutritional balance and special diets with lots of thought going into menu planning.”