Food & Nutrition

Mealtimes are an essential part of the day at Cedars Care Group homes. We know how vital it is that older people, especially those tackling dementia, maintain a balanced diet and a healthy interest in food. That’s why our chefs put a hundred-and-one per cent into creating a choice of varied and delicious dishes using the freshest ingredients every day.

Our carers liaise directly with our chefs, who put genuine heart into cooking tasty meals that help maintain our residents’ interest in food. They create menus that offer variety and choice with seasonal hot and cold dishes to avoid menu fatigue.

Moreover, our kitchen staff are always looking to source the freshest produce. When in season, the gifts of our own gardens offer fruit for special deserts like pear crumble. Other popular choices are roast dinners, fish & chips and traditional puddings. We organise regular theme food days and encourage residents to suggest dishes they’d like to have.

Hearty, home cooking really makes a house a home, but company also matters. All our Cedars Care Group homes staff are committed to making mealtimes a sociable part of the day that residents can look forward to. Meals can be taken in the pleasant settings of our dining rooms or served in residents’ rooms if they prefer. Staff are always on hand to support residents while eating or drinking with the utmost care and dignity if required.

Nutrition for Older People

Food and nutrition become more important as we get older. The health issues that come with old age can alter the dietary requirements of older people. So maintaining a balanced diet that suits their bodies’ needs becomes vital to maintaining better mental and physical health. Our care teams regularly monitor and assess all our residents’ nutritional needs. They also ensure that religious/cultural backgrounds, as well as personal preferences, are all taken into account.

We understand the consequences of malnutrition and dehydration in older people. Both can exacerbating the symptoms of health conditions like dementia. To that end we take very seriously the Care Quality Commission’s regulation on meeting nutrition and hydration needs.

Meals Throughout the Day

A typical day at one of our nursing or residential care homes consists of three meals a day with tea times in between offering snacks. Special requests for dishes can be made and alternative options are always available.

• For breakfast cereal, porridge, toast and preserves are offered along-side a choice of cooked breakfast.
• Mid-morning tea is served with a choice of fruit or biscuits.
• A range of hot and cold dishes are on offer from the menu at lunchtime.
• Afternoon tea is served with homemade cakes, scones or biscuits.
• For dinner, each resident can choose from a selection of hot or cold meals.
• Late evening and night-time snacks are always available if residents feel peckish before bedtime.

To get a better idea of food on offer at Cedars Care Group care homes across the UK, take a look at our Sample Menu.

See a sample menu.