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Accessibility

One of the main benefits of podcasts for older adults is that they can be listened to at any time from anywhere, making them the perfect pastime for those who may have mobility or transportation issues. Popular podcast platforms include Spotify, Google Podcasts and Apple Podcasts, all of which are simple to download and navigate. When it comes to accessibility, podcasts can also be listened to at a comfortable volume, which can be beneficial for those who may have hearing difficulties.

Education and Engagement

Listening to podcasts allows the elderly to stay engaged with the world around them, as well as providing a source of entertainment and information. The content of podcasts can teach the elderly new things and keep them informed about current affairs. Many podcasts cover a wide variety of topics, from news and current events to history, science and technology. With this in mind, our top 10 podcasts for the elderly are as follows, in no particular order:

Desert Island Discs – BBC Radio 4

Woman’s Hour – BBC Radio 4

In Our Time – BBC Radio 4

Two Cups of Tea – Chris Heath

You Must Remember This – Karina Longworth

That’s After Life! – Adrian Mills and Esther Rantzen

Who Do You Think You Are? – BBC Sounds

National Trust Series

Connectivity

Podcasts can also be a great way for older adults to stay connected with others. Many podcasts have a community aspect, as people will listen to the same podcasts as their family and friends and then discuss them together. This doesn’t just apply to existing connections – it allows people to make new friends with others who share similar interests, too. 

Mental Stimulation

Another benefit of podcasts for older adults is that they can help to improve mental stimulation. Listening to a podcast requires concentration and focus, which can help to keep the mind active and sharp. This can be especially beneficial for older adults who may be at risk of cognitive decline or memory loss.

Podcasts are a popular way for older adults to stay informed, entertained and connected. With a wide variety of topics and formats to choose from, there’s something for everyone. We hope that our article has provided some inspiration to grab a pair of headphones and get listening!

Here at Bondcare, we see first-hand how our residents benefit from mental stimulation such as listening to podcasts and audiobooks, particularly those living with dementia. Not only that, each of our care homes has its own dedicated activities coordinator who creates a schedule of events for the residents to get involved in to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. To find out more about any of our care homes located across the UK, get in touch with our experienced team today.

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Whether residents are spending the festive season in a care home for the first time or they have had several Christmasses there, it’s important for staff and families to consider how the residents are in terms of their physical and mental health now and not in years gone by. Symptoms of physical and mental diseases, such as Parkinson’s, dementia and Alzheimer’s, can mean that certain plans might need rethinking, but certainly not scrapped altogether. 

It’s an opportunity to get creative and reinvent Christmas celebrations – this article will provide tips on how to celebrate Christmas in a care home so residents can feel a part of something special.

Trips

For residents who want to buy presents for loved ones themselves and are physically mobile enough to get out and about, a trip to the local shops can be an exciting outing. Residents might also want to attend local Christmas church services and fairs which can make for a fun day out. For those who are less mobile, visits from friends and family in their home can be uplifting and get them in the Christmas spirit. Here, they can take part in different festive activities together and create new memories in the comfort of the care home.

Activities

There are plenty of activities that residents, staff, and visiting family and friends can get involved in, including:

• making and writing cards
• crafting decorations
• baking tasty treats
• watching Christmas films
• singing and dancing to Christmas music

It’s important that residents are given the opportunity to suggest their own Christmas ideas and feel engaged in the decision making process.

Celebrations

When it comes to Christmas celebrations, it’s often easiest for family and friends to visit residents at the care home they reside in. That way, they can enjoy all the festivities while still receiving the care they require and following a routine they’re familiar with. Christmas can be a difficult time for residents who have lost loved ones or are perhaps disappointed that they can’t be in their own homes, so it’s important to keep Christmas plans flexible so that residents don’t feel pressured into anything. 

It’s also worth noting that some residents may have other religious beliefs and festivals they celebrate, so this must be incorporated into planning.

Traditions

Drawing on traditions the residents have previously experienced during the festive period and the ways they used to celebrate Christmas helps immensely in the planning process. Perhaps they would always stock up on particular food or drinks, or maybe they used to make a signature dish that they can now help to recreate. Whatever the tradition, there is always a way it can be incorporated into Christmas at their care home. 

Music

Playing familiar festive songs can remind care home residents of fond memories of a moment in time from their past. Their love of a particular song or artist might even be shared by one of the other residents or staff members, so it makes for a great talking point and gives them a chance to socialise.

For some live entertainment, local charities, community groups and schools often go carol singing at care homes around the festive season.

Gifts

Knowing what Christmas gifts to buy for a loved one in a care home can be challenging, as it will predominantly depend on their physical and cognitive capabilities. Popular choices include:

• Nightwear or a new dressing gown
• Framed photos or photo collages of loved ones
• Magnifying glass for reading books or magazines
• Puzzles
• CDs of their favourite music

Overridingly, the best gift a care home resident can receive is time with their loved ones, whether that is in person or via video calls, so family and friends are encouraged to find a date in their diary to pay a visit.

If you are searching for a trusted care home in your local area for yourself or a loved one, look no further than Bondcare. Our teams have a wealth of industry experience caring for the elderly from all walks of life – simply get in touch today to find out more or to book a home visit.

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Establishing this kind of connection can help combat social isolation and loneliness amongst the elderly, improving their mental health and well-being. This article will take a look at the different benefits of pen pals for seniors, along with suggested content for the letters and how to sign up.

What are the benefits of pen pals for seniors?

With the technical age we live in, pen pals might seem a somewhat antiquated concept. However, this is far from the case – in fact, many people comment that writing letters allows them to express themselves more effectively than other forms of communication, and this is particularly true amongst the elderly. 

Some of its benefits for seniors include:

• It provides a great chance for the elderly to socialise, particularly the more introverted
• It’s an ideal form of communication for seniors who are hard of hearing
• It allows the elderly to learn from someone else’s life experiences, which can broaden their perspective, build empathy and even inspire them to take up a new hobby
• It stimulates the brain as it requires seniors to choose the most suitable words they want to use and organise their thoughts, whether they are writing by hand themselves or with the help of a family member/carer

What should you write about in your letters to a pen pal?

When writing to a pen pal, it’s important to make sure the letter flows naturally with a conversational style – this can be achieved by asking open-ended questions and writing as you speak. That said, try to avoid using overly colloquial language, as this may be unfamiliar to the recipient and might confuse them. Make sure you keep a positive tone and avoid any information that is personal or sensitive, such as bank details. 

Suggested talking points for your letters can be:

• Hobbies you are interested in
• Books you like reading
• Films and TV shows you enjoy watching
• Any future life plans on the horizon

Sharing stories and experiences is important, as it can help trigger memories for those living with dementia and test parts of their brain that they might not otherwise use.

How can you sign up to a pen pal scheme?

If you are feeling inspired and would like to sign up to a pen pal scheme in the UK, there are several different ones available, including Omega, Home Instead, The Write Partnership and the SCCCC.

This isn’t limited to the UK, however – there are other popular online pen pal services that can connect people across the globe, including Global Pen Friends and PenPal World.

Just remember: when you have finished your letter and sent it off, make sure you request a letter in return, and be patient for a reply as there is no predetermined frequency and seniors might take longer to compose their response.

At Bondcare, we encourage our residents to participate in a wide range of activities to help build friendships and keep their minds and bodies active. With care homes across the UK, you can find a Bondcare home near to you – you are not limited by location. To find out more, contact our experienced team today. 

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This year’s National Day of Arts in Care Homes has had an international theme, with participation encouraged from all around the world. This is to help develop a global network where residents, staff, families and friends can share ideas on how to engage with the arts and tell stories of how they have seen the benefits.

How did the National Day of Arts in Care Homes start?

This annual event is led by the National Activity Providers Association (NAPA), which is the UK’s leading activity and engagement charity. They provide care services with support to “prioritise wellbeing and promote activity, arts and engagement”. This includes care homes, home care providers, intermediate and respite care, and many more. 

How can care homes increase art engagement?

There is a wide range of art forms residents can take part in – cooking, singing, dancing, music, crafts, to name just a few! It’s a great opportunity to don a creative cap and think up some fun, engaging activities for people to get involved with, such as:

• Quilt making
• Singalongs
• Bake off competitions
• Scrapbook making 
• Exercise sessions
• Sensory interaction
• Role play, e.g. caring for dolls, dressing up in clothes from the past
• Memory walls with images of famous people from the past, landmarks and locations

Get those living in the care settings involved in the planning and decision making by asking what they would like to do and finding out if there are any creative dreams they haven’t yet managed to fulfil. This could be to recite a poem, play an instrument to an audience or to learn a new skill such as knitting or embroidery. This also gives residents the chance to teach others a new skill that they have a passion for, giving them a sense of purpose and boosting their confidence.

What are some theme ideas?

This year, NAPA has aimed to connect care settings across the globe to create an international #FieldofFlowers where people can produce drawings, paintings, photographs or even 3D models of flowers. They can then share the photographs online using #AICH2022 #FieldofFlowers so people across the world can link up and see the different contributions.

For 2022’s international theme, care settings might choose to centre their celebrations around different nationalities and cultural backgrounds; this could involve food, costumes, crafts, decorations, and much more!

Other themes you might choose to take inspiration from are:

• Seasons
• Interests and hobbies
• Memories
• Animals
• Nature

What are the benefits of art in a care home?

Choosing a theme gives residents of a care home something to focus on and work towards, helping to improve their cognitive functioning, creative thinking and memory. 

Touching different ingredients, painting different textures, listening to different music and tasting new foods will stimulate the senses and can trigger positive emotions and memories. 

Collaborating with other care home residents creates a sense of community and helps improve social and communication skills. Some might usually be introverted and only interact briefly with others, but expressing themselves through the arts, such as singing, dancing or poetry, can open up a form of communication for them.

Activities such as creating a memory wall and scrapbook making can really help those with dementia as they look through photos and retell stories from the past. This can enhance people’s emotional well-being, helping to combat stress and anxiety. 

At Bondcare, each of our care homes across the UK has a full weekly schedule of activities to keep residents entertained, active and inspired all year round. By investing in different ways to increase arts engagement at our homes, we see our residents gain more independence and improve their general well-being.

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To help you navigate through this and prepare for the move, the team at Bondcare have put together a list of nine tips for making a care home bedroom more homely.

1. Sentimental Items

Bringing sentimental items which carry great nostalgic value, such as family heirlooms, travel souvenirs, childhood toys and ornaments, can be an excellent way of making the place feel like home.

2. Familiar Scents

A familiar scent or smell can instantly transport people to a moment in time or a happy place. Using similar air fresheners, room diffusers and sprays to the ones from home can help with reminiscing and create a comfortable living space.

3. Photographs and Prints

Having photos on display in the bedroom will encourage residents to share stories and memories. Hanging photos of friends and family members, holidays and special occasions is a great way of adding a personal touch to the room and will make residents feel close to their loved ones.

4. Mirror Layout From Home

Another great idea to convert the new environment into a familiar space is by copying the layout from home. This can be achieved by positioning an armchair in a particular place within the room, hanging up photos on a certain wall or arranging ornaments on a table in a specific way, to name just a few suggestions.

5. Inject Colour

If approved by the care home, decorating the bedroom will assist in creating a homely space. Perhaps residents would like to replicate the decor from home or they’d prefer to try something new, giving them the opportunity to paint the walls and furnish the room however they would like is a brilliant way of making the space feel more homely.

6. Furnishings

When anyone moves properties, having their own furniture can provide that all-important finishing touch to a room, and moving into a care home is no different. An armchair, a dresser or favourite bedding can hold great sentimental value and allows residents to feel comfortable surrounded by items they cherish most. 

Again, this must be approved by the care home as the furniture must be fire retardant, so residents and their loved ones will need to consult someone at the facility first. 

7. Music Devices

For most people, music plays a significant role in their lives, with certain songs or compositions able to evoke strong emotions — it’s also an excellent way of re-living fond memories. Having a CD player, radio or vinyl player in a bedroom at the care home can help residents relive precious moments from the past.

8. Hobbies and Pastimes

Following a familiar routine gives residents a sense of purpose and belonging. As such, having items close to hand that allow them to continue with their hobbies and interests, such as knitting or puzzles, gives them easy access to the pastimes they enjoy and enables them to maintain independence.

9. Plants and Flowers

The addition of some greenery in a care home bedroom makes a space look brighter and feel cosy. Artificial flowers and succulent plants are great options as they give that homely look without the intensive upkeep.

It is worth noting that there will be different rules for different care homes based on health and safety requirements. Here at Bondcare, we aim to make each room in our care homes as comfortable as possible for residents to create a home away from home. 

We understand how important it is for them to have a familiar environment so that they feel settled and maintain their independence. We are more than happy to answer any questions on what adjustments can be made to bedrooms in our care homes so that residents and their loved ones can plan their stay with us accordingly. 

To find out more, get in touch with our experienced team today.

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1. Type of care

First and foremost, you must establish what type of care your family member or friend will require so you can filter your search for a care home accordingly. The different options include:

• Residential care
• Dementia Care
• Alzheimer’s care
• Respite or short stay care
• Elderly care
• Physical disability care
• Nursing care

If you are unsure, please contact a healthcare professional who can assess your loved one and advise you on the most suitable option.

2. Research Potential Homes

Above all else, it is essential to make sure the care homes you are researching provide the specialist care your loved one requires. Once this has been confirmed, there are several things to consider:

• Location: parking, local amenities and transport links
• General facilities: food, languages spoken, garden area, activities schedule
• Room facilities: en-suites, telephone points, Wi-Fi access

It’s also recommended to check the CQC rating of the care homes you are researching and have a look through their report so you have a better overview of the home from a professional perspective. 

Customer reviews are also a good way of gaining an insight into what life is like for those living at your chosen care homes. 

And finally, it’s worth checking to see if your family or friends have any recommendations based on their own experiences.

3. Consider costings and funding

Before creating your shortlist of care homes, it’s hugely important that the options you have been researching fit within your budgetary requirements. Request a price list directly from the care home and look into whether there is any financial help on offer if required. 

Click here to find out more about the funding options available.

4. Create a shortlist

Once you have found a list of potential care homes that fit your requirements, it’s time to whittle your choices down to a select few. There’s no hard and fast rule for this, but try to highlight your favourite 3-5 care homes so you can progress to arranging a visit.

5. Arrange a visit

Although it might be tempting to commit to a home you like the look of, you must pay a visit to your shortlisted care homes and see them first hand. That way, you can make sure they live up to the brochures and websites you have been reviewing.

In preparation for the visit, it’s useful to note down a few things you would like to ask while you are there, such as: 

• What safety measures are in place to reduce the risk of falls?
• What is their visitor policy?
• Can residents bring their own furniture? 
• Are there menu examples to look at?
• Can residents have assistance eating when required?
• Are dietary and cultural requirements catered for?
• Is there an activities coordinator?
• Are there lifts/handrails/raised seats fitted?

During your tour, it’s important to pay close attention to your first impressions; it should feel like a home away from home for your loved one, so consider how inviting the space and staff are. Take this opportunity to see what the other residents are doing and how well maintained the different rooms and outside spaces are. 

Finally, check the availability at each care home so you know when they have the capacity to accommodate more residents.

For the highest standard of assisted living wherever you are in the UK, look no further than Bondcare. For details on each of our care homes, take a look at our ‘find a care home’ page or get in touch with our team today. You can also book a visit to any of our care homes across the country by giving us a call and we’ll take care of the rest. 

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In this article, we will cover the benefits regular exposure to nature can bring for older people, allowing them to lead active and enriched lifestyles from the comfort of their care home.

What Are the Benefits of Being Around Nature for Older People?

For those living with dementia, connecting with nature has been proven to have a calming effect, helping to reduce any frustration, confusion, anger or anxiety they might be experiencing. In turn, this can help to lower stress, blood pressure and heart rate. 

Filled with different sights, smells and sounds, the outdoors is an amazing sensory environment on our doorsteps. By stimulating the senses, it can evoke memories for those living with dementia and enable them to share stories and reminisce. Whether going for a walk or enjoying a relaxing sit down in the sun, being outdoors brings with it the chance for older people to socialise; something that can instantly boost their mood and aid memory recall.

Engaging with the natural surroundings and focusing on something other than screens allows the brain to recharge and helps to improve sleeping patterns which strengthens the immune system. Spending a short amount of time in the sun provides older people with the best natural source of vitamin D, a nutrient that they need to maintain bone health. 

What Are the Different Ways Older People Can Be Around Nature?

Find a Favourite Spot to Sit In

Take a seat and enjoy watching the surrounding wildlife and nature; this can either be outdoors or from a room with a view.

Plants 

Bring the beauty of the outdoors in with the addition of plants in bedrooms and shared areas. Popular choices are succulent plants and pots of herbs on the windowsill.

Bird Feeders

Bird feeders are an excellent way of bringing nature nearer to the home. Some older people might see it as an opportunity to get crafty and create their own feeder, while others might like to take part in a monthly bird spotting club. Whatever the activity, bird feeders are a great way of getting older people to engage with nature.

Greenhouses

For those who are green-fingered, tending to fresh produce in greenhouses and watching it grow captures the attention of older people and they can enjoy the reward of eating the fruits of their labour in their meals.

Well-Maintained Gardens 

Taking part in a spot of gardening can give older people a sense of purpose and independence which has a positive effect on their self-confidence and makes them feel more fulfilled. There’s even an opportunity to arrange a competition with friends to see whose sunflower grows the tallest.

Trips to Local Parks

For older people who are able to do so, taking a trip to a local park is a great way of being around nature – we recommend choosing one with a cafe to enjoy a hot drink or ice cream during the visit!

Indoor Activities 

The beauty of nature is that older people don’t have to go outside to enjoy its benefits. Watching wildlife from the comfort of home inspires many to get creative and make their own pictures, poetry and stories.

At Bondcare, we see the benefits living with nature can have on our care home residents first-hand. With care homes across the country, we pride ourselves on providing our residents with beautiful gardens, fun activities and trips to local parks so they can enjoy everything the great outdoors has to offer at their own pace. To find out more about any of our homes, please get in touch with our experienced team today. 

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With this in mind, a new accreditation has been introduced specifically for the care home sector, so they have the opportunity to showcase the dining experience they provide to their residents based on specific criteria they need to fulfil. Read on to find out more about this innovative and important new accreditation.

What is this new accreditation? 

This new Choice Dining accreditation is designed to give those seeking care for their loved ones easy access to research, and compare the dining offerings at different care home settings so they can make an informed decision.

Launched by elderly care directory Autumna with the support of the Choice Dining Action team, this accreditation consists of different criteria that a care home must meet to be awarded the Choice Dining badge.

According to Autumna’s founder, Debbie Harris: “The dining experience is a critical component of any care service and our CHOICE rating offers people even more assurance when deciding on the right type of care provision.”

How does a care home acquire one?

To be awarded this accreditation, a care home must be able to evidence their commitment to delivering the highest quality dining experience for their residents. For this, they must meet the requirements of the following CHOICE criteria:

• Cuisine: preparation, nutritional value and presentation of food 
• Hygiene: hand hygiene of residents and staff
• Options: freedom and flexibility for residents to choose the food they would like, with the ability to order food not on the menu
• Individuality: getting residents involved in the creation of the menu where possible and tailoring the food to meet their cultural, religious and dietary wants
• Care: delivering a respectful and quality service that promotes an inclusive dining experience
• Environment: being environmentally and socially responsible, e.g. using locally sourced ingredients

To be eligible for this accreditation, care homes must be able to show that they can meet the standards listed above, and must have a premium profile on Autumna. Further details can be viewed by clicking here and the Choice Dining checklist also provides a breakdown.

What are the benefits of this accreditation?

It goes without saying that listening to the food preferences of older people and providing them with appetising meals goes a long way to enhancing their stay at a care home. People attribute emotions, feelings and memories with different kinds of food, and this can be important for those living with dementia as it allows them to reminisce and share stories.

With this new accreditation, care homes are able to display their high standards towards food and hygiene, and promote their dignity in care through their dining offerings. Not only that, but the badge also gives the loved ones of older people everything they need to know about the food a care home offers, how it is served to residents, the steps they take to cater for personal taste and much more.

At Bondcare, our talented chefs are committed to providing the best dining experience for residents at our care homes across the UK. With access to modern facilities and fresh produce, our teams pay close attention to the individual needs of each resident to create appetising dishes and enhance social interaction. To find out more about dining at Bondcare or to book a visit at one of our care homes, contact us today.

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Talking to a child about dementia can seem overwhelming, but this doesn’t need to be the case. Chatting to them about why their loved one might act a certain way and how they can help will make them understand the situation better and learn their own ways to cope.

Read on to find out how you can best support your child when a loved one is living with dementia.

How Should I Talk to My Child About Dementia?

It’s important to communicate with your child in an age appropriate way. These kinds of conversations need to be tailored to the age and developmental stage of the child so they can understand what they are being told. Studies have shown that smaller children might be more interested in how their relationship with their loved one is impacted, while older children at school might be more interested in how the brain changes.

However they engage with the conversation, make sure they know that you will be a listening ear if they have any questions or concerns, and let them talk things through with you when they want to.

When Should I Talk to My Child About Dementia?

It is better to be open with your child early on so that they understand why they are seeing changes in how their grandparent, family member or friend usually behaves. Shielding them from the situation can cause distrust and it may be more upsetting for your child to find out about the diagnosis further down the line.

Opening up the lines of communication at an early stage provides support and reassurance for your child. Watching how you and other family members cope with the situation teaches them how they can manage their emotions during sad or tough times.

What Should I Say to My Child When Explaining Dementia?

Before having the conversation with your child, you must first make sure you understand what dementia is yourself and feel prepared to explain it to them, as any uncertainty might cause them some distress.
This condition affects the way the brain works, meaning that it can change the way a person living with dementia interacts and talks, as well as their behaviour and their memory. It affects people differently – for some, their language or speech might change, while others might become short-tempered or less likely to engage in playing games or conversation.

Reassure your child that their loved one is still the same person and provide them with ways they can help communicate with them, such as by sharing memories, stories and feelings.

There are plenty of resources available to help explain dementia to small children in ways and terms they will understand, such as Dementia UK.

What Questions Might My Child Ask About a Loved One Living With Dementia?

Will they get better? 

This is often one of the first questions a child might ask when finding out about dementia. Unfortunately, this condition gradually worsens and there are currently no preventative measures or cure. Explaining this to a child is sad, however it’s important to remember that being open with your child from the start is the best way to manage their feelings.

Will they forget who I am? 

Explain that although those living with dementia may sometimes forget names and faces, voices are easier for them to recognise. Reminiscing and chatting about memories they share is a great way for your child and their loved one to communicate. 

Why are they getting angry?

It can be frustrating for those living with dementia to struggle with things they used to do so easily. This can cause them to become snappy or angry, perhaps even afraid and worried. Again, encourage your child to speak with them and remind them of happy stories so they both feel calm and reassured. 

Why are they acting differently? 

Dementia often makes people confused – perhaps they find it difficult to give the right change when paying for something at the shops, or their words get muddled when they’re trying to speak. While it’s natural for your child to laugh at this change in behaviour, explain that doing so will upset their loved one and advise them to help instead.

Why are they going into a care home? 

It can be rather daunting for a child to see their loved one move from the comfort of a home they are familiar with into a care home. Provide reassurance that the care home is a happy place with people who will look after them and keep them safe.

Bondcare provides specialist care for those living with dementia within a range of our care homes across the country. If you would like to find out more, simply get in touch with our dedicated team today who will be happy to answer any of your questions.

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Helen Browning, Chief Executive of the Soil Association, said “Food for Life decided to establish an annual celebration to shine the spotlight on cooks and food providers from across the UK who are achieving great standards. There has been a doubling in the number of food providers engaging with our celebration of excellence, despite the turmoil and uncertainty facing the food service industry, and this is something we’re delighted to shout about. Cooks and food providers achieving our standards can, therefore, be rightly proud, confident and bold about providing the best in sustainable and healthy catering in the UK.”

Gratitude for the award was felt by all, with manager Carl Stevenson stating, “I’m very proud of the team and what we have achieved, as we have improved the quality of our home-cooked food for all our residents, making them feel more at home away from home. I am so proud that their hard work has been acknowledged”.

Summerfield House manager Carl Stevenson and two of the cooks receiving the award from the Gret British Bake-off Judge Prue Leith.

Prue Leith CBE was joined by a panel of judges including Bee Wilson and Tim Lang to celebrate the exceptional people and food providers who are making a difference and inspiring others through the Soil Association Food for Life’s sustainable catering frameworks; Food for Life Served Here and Green Kitchen Standard. This year, the awards also celebrated the 10th anniversary of Food for Life Served Here and pioneering organisations who were early adopters.

Winners were chosen by an independent judging panel including Professor Tim Lang – Professor of Food Policy at City University of London, Bee Wilson – food writer, historian and school food campaigner, Myles Bremner – CEO of Bremner Consulting, Stephen Forster – National LACA Chair, and Lynsey Gordon – Category Manager at Scotland Excel. 

The Healthcare Champion 2019 award.

The judges were looking for people and food providers with an outstanding commitment to embedding the Food for Life Served Here standards, who are going above and beyond in sourcing and serving healthy food that’s better for the environment and made with sustainable practices in mind.

For the Healthcare Champion award, judges were looking for those going above and beyond to champion Served Here, who uphold the Served Here values and promote these in their healthcare setting. Judges commented, “Carl’s strong commitment to a good food culture shines through – not least in being an exemplar and leader for others in the region. Putting good food at the heart of good care has led to impressive results.”

Other winners included:

• Further and Higher Education Champion Award – Ivan Hopkins at Nottingham Trent University 
• Food for Life Supplier Scheme Champion – Yeo Valley 
• Early Years Champion Award – Tracy Miller & Olivia Cherry at Woodlands Day Nursery Childbase Partnership

There is a variety of standards you have to reach in order to qualify/win the award. The Food for Life Served Here Standards are:

Bronze

• Meals contain no undesirable food additives or hydrogenated fats
• 75% of the dishes are freshly prepared
• Meat is from farms which satisfy UK welfare standards
• Eggs are free-range 
• Menus are seasonal
• Training is provided for all catering staff
• Free drinking water is available
• No endangered fish are served 
• Information about where the food has come from is on display
• Suppliers meet food safety standards
• School caterers meet government guidelines for food and nutrition

Silver and Gold

The Silver and Gold Catering Mark Standards work on a flexible points system, which rewards spend on ethical, environmentally friendly and local ingredients, and recognises steps to offer healthier menus.

• At Silver, at least 5% of ingredients are organic and a selection of local or UK produce is served. A number of steps are taken to make meals healthier.
• At Gold, at least 15% of ingredients are organic, a significant proportion of the ingredients caterers use must be from the UK or produced locally and further steps are taken to make healthy eating easier.

To find out more visit www.foodforlife.org.uk / @safoodforlife 

Here at Bondcare, we are proud to offer a high standard of care to all our residents, tailoring our services to each individual to ensure they enjoy their stay with us. Creating a warm and friendly environment for both residents and staff is a priority for our homes, giving you peace of mind yourself or a family member will receive the best possible care. Get in touch with us today for more information on our services or if you have any queries.

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