Catering
Dietary diversity: how to cater for all requirements
Neil Hargreaves, care homes divisional manager of meals provider apetito, looks at the complexities of catering and how homes can manage dietary requirements in a way that is straightforward and stress-free – especially under Covid conditions
One size never fits all when it comes to catering provisions within a care home. There are many reasons residents may need - or want - to exclude certain foods from their diet, whether this be down to personal choice and preference around vegetarianism, pescatarian, or plant- based/vegan meals, or personal or religious beliefs, and not forgetting medical conditions that require a bespoke diet. Catering for diverse dietary
requirements is an important aspect of honouring equality within care homes, and in some circumstances is imperative to keeping residents safe and well. Fundamentally, the number one priority for care homes when looking at menu provision is in the delivery of exceptional food and nutrition. However, we know that there is no off
the shelf solution to catering as dietary requirements and preferences can vary greatly from home to home. Catering for a variety conditions becomes increasingly complex when safety becomes a crucial factor, for example, many homes are catering for residents who live with dementia, some of whom will be experiencing swallowing difficulties – a condition also known as dysphagia, which can be helped and managed with a softer foods diet. It is important for catering staff to
understand how to build menus for each of these requirements, as providing a menu that both tastes great and offers
variety, in addition to being safe and nutritious, is the key to a great dining experience.
Catering for a plant-based diet One of the biggest trends we are currently seeing as a country is a move towards plant-based meals. Care homes are no different. There are an estimated 350,000 people aged over 65 in the UK who are vegetarian or vegan and, as of 2019, 7,000 were living in UK care homes. That is a rise of 167 per cent since 2014. Many individuals choose to follow a
plant-based diet for animal welfare or environmental reasons. Some however may also choose to reduce their meat
It is important to remember dietary practices between and within different faiths can be diverse, so it is essential to understand the differences and not make assumptions
December 2020 •
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com
consumption for health reasons. Studies suggest that following a plant-based diet can reduce the risk of health problems such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol. Vegetarian dishes must not contain
any part of an animal including meat, fats, or derivatives such as gelatine or rennet. In addition to the above, vegan dishes must not contain any ingredients that come from an animal including dairy, eggs or honey. While this may sound a little
restrictive, there are plenty of foods vegetarians and vegans can eat, and most recipes easily be adapted using vegan alternatives. Furthermore, all residents can enjoy plant-based meals and through adding these dishes to a menu can increase variety for all.
Religious and cultural dietary requirements Here in the UK we all live in a wonderfully diverse culture with a wide range of religious beliefs, so it is essential for care homes to recognise and cater for different religious, philosophical, and
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