Dining for dementia

Bringing together our Dementia Care, Catering and Activities & Lifestyle teams

The dining experience in care homes is especially important when it comes to supporting residents living with dementia – both when it comes to their physical wellbeing and helping them feel engaged and independent in their new home.

That’s why Care South looks beyond the food on the plate. We focus on the dining experience as a whole; our compassionate staff create comfortable and relaxed environments for our residents struggling with disorientation or confusion.

Nutrition and hydration

Eating and drinking well is vital to health and wellbeing at any age, and especially for people living with dementia. Good nutrition and hydration help keep the body strong, support digestion, reduce the risk of other health problems, and can help people feel more comfortable, alert and connected.

At Care South, we understand this deeply and have developed Dining for Dementia, an initiative designed to support individuals living with dementia in every way we can.

Dining for Dementia is built around the understanding that mealtimes can become increasingly complex for someone living with dementia. Changes in memory, perception and coordination can make familiar routines feel confusing or overwhelming. Busy dining environments, unfamiliar table settings, or even the textures and presentation of food can all impact a person’s ability and confidence to eat and drink well.

Our approach focuses on creating calm, supportive and engaging dining experiences that are tailored to each individual. This means taking time to understand personal preferences, life histories and routines, so meals feel familiar, comforting and enjoyable. From favourite dishes that spark memories, to the way food is presented on the plate, every detail is carefully considered.

Friendly and reliable care

Mark Wardman, Care South Catering Operations Manager: “Maintaining a healthy diet and appetite can be difficult, especially when living with dementia. We ensure all meals contain the right balance of nutrients, while supporting choice and independence.”

“Assistance is always available, and we have menus to suit all dietary needs. We also offer snacks and night owl menus for those that like to eat at different times of the day or night.”

Mark has worked in the catering industry for 20 years, joining Care South in early 2020. He added: “Our dining rooms provide a relaxed and sociable space where residents can take their time to enjoy their meal.