Catering
By understanding the broader context of mealtimes and the importance of encouraging social engagement, care homes can help residents to enjoy a nutritious diet and improve their quality of life. Enhancing the visual appeal, dining with friends or loved ones and having the ability to ‘dine with dignity’ provides residents the opportunity to enjoy their meal in a safe and uplifting environment. n
References 1 Steptoe A et al. Social isolation, loneliness and low dietary micronutrient intake amongst older people in England. Age Ageing. 2024 Oct 1;53(10):afae223. doi: 10.1093/ageing/afae223. PMID: 39406394; PMCID: PMC11479707.
2 BDA Care Home Digest. Menu planning and food service guides for older adults living in care homes. June 2024, 1st edition. Care Home Digest - BDA.
3 Slaughter SE et al. The association of eating challenges with energy intake is moderated by the mealtime environment in residential care homes. International Psychogeriatrics. 2020;32(7):863-873. doi:10.1017/ S1041610219001959
4 Wadhera D et al. A review of visual cues
associated with food on food acceptance and consumption, Eating Behaviors, Volume 15, Issue 1,2014,Pages 132-143,ISSN 1471-0153.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j. eatbeh.2013.11.003.
5 Lee Martin. Practical nutrition and hydration for dementia-friendly mealtimes. 2019. ISBN 978 1 84905 700 4.
6 BAPEN. What are the consequences of malnutrition? | BAPEN.
7 Care England. The UK Landscape for Dysphagia Management Solutions: Enhancing Care and Improving Lives in the UK Health and Social Care Sector. London: Care England; 2024 Nov [cited 2025 Mar 20]. Available from:
https://www.careengland.
org.uk
8 The International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative – IDDSI.
9 Wu S et al. Review Nutritional Intake and Meal Composition of Patients Consuming Texture Modified Diets and Thickened Fluids: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. 21 December Healthcare 2020, 8, 579; doi:10.3390/healthcare80405792020
10 Ekberg et al. The social & psychological burden of dysphagia. Dysphagia 17:139 2002.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pubmed/11956839
Rachel Sipaul
Rachel Sipaul, senior dietitian at apetito and Wiltshire Farm Foods, has many years’ experience working in the nutrition and food industry. Her expertise of food and nutrition support spans varied sectors including across the NHS, care homes and education settings. She champions great nutrition across all stages of life, particularly in older adults, by recognising their unique dietary requirements and the integral role nutrition plays in their overall health and wellbeing.
Most dynamic mattresses are NOT regulated
OURS ARE
Renrayhealthcare.com |
info@renrayhealthcare.com September 2025
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com 27
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
