Care UK in the running for four Care Home Catering Awards

Care UK teams are delighted to have been shortlisted in four categories at the Care Home Catering Awards.

The Care Home Catering Awards recognise talent, creativity and drive in care catering and celebrate some of the sector's brightest stars in the UK and are run by Care Home Catering magazine.

The provider is a finalist in the Group Care Home Caterer of the Year category, with homes and colleagues having also been shortlisted for the prestigious awards.

Ladybrook Manor’s kitchen team are shortlisted in the Care Home Catering Team of the Year category; Scott Tame, catering co-ordinator at Metchley Manor has been shortlisted in the Chef of the Year category, and Nick Georgiou, head chef at Mildenhall Lodge has been shortlisted in the Above and Beyond Special category.

Care UK’s focus on mealtimes is an experience to savour and enjoy throughout Care UK homes. Homes have a high level of autonomy and regularly consult with residents about menu options, as well as how to create the right ambiance for their dining experience. For example, many homes play music during mealtimes, but residents are asked about what they would like to listen to and at what volume. Additionally, dining rooms are set out restaurant-style with napkins and a selection of cutlery and glassware.

Examples of available meals are plated for display so that residents are clear about what is available and how it is presented. This minimises confusion and removes any ambiguity which can cause embarrassment or upset. Residents with dysphagia or living with dementia have the option of the same meal piped to resemble the standard version, further establishing inclusivity.

At Care UK, food is a way for family and community to celebrate and come together – enriching lives and helping create new, happy memories. Examples of this include a host of events, such as Oktoberfest, harvest, Valentine’s and Mother’s Day celebrations, which typically centre around dining with family and friends. Homes also offer family tasting days where relatives are encouraged to visit and try new seasonal dishes that their loved ones will enjoy. On all these occasions, feedback is actively sought so that homes can tailor their menus to their residents.

The winners will be announced during a ceremony on Thursday 5th June in London.

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