Wellbeing


The importance of choice and dignity at mealtime


Lisa Vile, sales and hospitality manager at Athena Care Homes, discusses the provider’s recent trials with crockery, coffee, and cutlery


At Athena Care Homes, we understand that the small details can make a significant difference, especially when it comes to creating a home-like environment for our residents. While the fundamental aspects of care – health, safety, and comfort – are essential, we believe that fostering an environment where choice, independence, and dignity are prioritised can truly enhance the quality of life for those we care for. One of the core values that drive our approach is the empowerment of our residents through choice, even in the seemingly minor aspects of daily living, such as the selection of coffee, cutlery, and crockery. This principle not only respects their individuality, but also ensures that our care homes remain places where people feel truly at home.


The power of choice in care The importance of choice extends beyond simple preferences – it is about maintaining a sense of control and self-identity. In a care home setting, where many aspects of life can feel regulated or beyond one’s control, the ability to make personal choices becomes even more valuable.


For our residents, being able to choose their coffee blend, cutlery style, or the colour of their plates is a small but powerful affirmation of their autonomy. We recognise that these everyday decisions are ones they would have made for themselves in their own homes, and we are committed to preserving that sense of independence and individuality. We want our residents to feel that they are not just cared for but also respected as individuals who have a say in their daily lives. Whether it is choosing their own cutlery or their favourite coffee,


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these decisions help maintain residents’ dignity and independence. It is about creating a care environment that is not institutionalised, but feels like home.


A sip of comfort: our coffee trial Two years ago, we launched a coffee trial at Aria Court in March, which quickly became a welcomed initiative among our residents and their relatives. Coffee is more than just a beverage – it is a comforting ritual that many people enjoy daily. We wanted to bring this familiar experience into our homes by offering a variety of coffee blends and strengths, allowing residents to find their preferred cup. To make this trial more engaging, we transformed it into a mini coffee-tasting event, inviting our coffee supplier to present a range of options. Having a good cup of fresh coffee is a regular part of life for most people, and we believe this ought not to change simply because someone chooses to live in a care home. The coffee bar provides a welcoming space where residents can gather, socialise, and enjoy a familiar, comforting experience.


We want our residents to feel that they are respected as individuals


It is about more than just coffee – it is about creating a warm, social atmosphere that allows our residents to enjoy the experience of a high street coffee shop without having to leave the home. This initiative was not just about finding


the perfect brew – it was about giving our residents the power to choose. In their own homes or favourite coffee shops, they would select their preferred coffee, so why should that change in a care setting? This commitment to maintaining the dignity and independence of our residents is a guiding principle in all our decisions. The coffee bar’s popularity underscores the success of this approach. In our existing locations, we have café areas that serve as lively social hubs, and we are excited to introduce these spaces in our new Cambridge homes.


Cutlery with confidence: a trial at Goodwins Hall


Building on the success of the coffee trial, we next turned our attention to cutlery – a fundamental aspect of every mealtime. Just as in many family homes, our care homes had a variety of cutlery standards and styles. We wanted to ensure that all our homes provided cutlery that was not only practical but also dignified and consistent across locations.


At Goodwins Hall in Kings Lynn, we www.thecarehomeenvironment.com January 2025


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