One of the most important things to try and do for the people we care for and support, is to give them choice in their lives.
Nowhere is this more obvious than in their choice of what they eat on a daily basis. Our policy is that each resident should have time to select what they want to eat.
Lunch periods are usually longer with all staff present to assist them. Everything is displayed, whether hot or cold, and we are able to respond to their preferred method of communication when choosing their meals. We have a themed day once a week and cook everything from Chinese to Spanish tapas.
So successful have we been that we have now put this down on our PIR from for our CQC inspections. We aim to continue to improve the choice we give our residents as we move towards the Winter menu.
The feedback for our efforts has been great from both residents and staff. We are inspired to ensure that we not only maintain this effort but make give even greater choice in the future.