At Stanfield Nursing Home, we prioritise the quality of food for the people we care for just as much as any other aspect of care. Nutrition plays a powerful role in maintaining happiness and health, especially in nursing homes. Specific health conditions, such as diabetes, make nutrition even more critical for loved ones in our care.
Nutrition and Memory Health
Recent studies emphasise the importance of a balanced diet in improving memory and cognitive function. A 2023 study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that a Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil, can reduce the risk of cognitive decline by up to 40%. Similarly, the Alzheimer’s Society states that lifestyle-related factors, such as diet and exercise, can help lower the risk of memory-related diseases.
At Stanfield Nursing Home, we incorporate these findings into our food philosophy. We provide locally sourced, freshly prepared meals designed to support both physical and cognitive health.
Our Food Philosophy
Our approach to nutrition focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients to ensure the highest quality. We serve balanced meals daily, including breakfast, lunch, and a light supper, with snacks in between. Every week, we update our menus, and we adjust them seasonally to ensure variety. We source fruits and vegetables from a local farm shop and meats from a nearby butcher.
Our goal is to deliver both taste and nutrition, offering loved ones a balanced diet that meets their unique health needs. A 2024 report from The British Nutrition Foundation highlights the importance of a varied diet, particularly for older people, to help reduce risks of malnutrition and promote well-being.
Mealtimes at Stanfield Nursing Home
Mealtimes at Stanfield Nursing Home are designed with the people we care for in mind. We recognise that mealtimes are not just about nutrition – they are a sensory and social experience. At our UK Nursing Home, we offer traditional favourites like roasts and international dishes like Italian and Spanish cuisine, reflecting the preferences of many loved ones who pioneered package holidays.
Because digestion slows with age, we serve the main meal at lunch and offer lighter options for supper. Choices include items such as boiled eggs and omelettes, offering flexibility to meet preferences at the last minute. Our nursing home staff works with each individual, offering a wide variety of extras to cater to their specific tastes and needs.
Personalised Nutrition and Care
Each loved one has the right to personal choice when it comes to their food. We respect their likes, dislikes, and any specific dietary requirements. Our nursing home staff is skilled at presenting meal options close to mealtimes, reducing the risk of confusion and distress. This approach ensures that people in our care enjoy every meal as much as possible.
For those requiring additional support during mealtimes, we offer assistance in a way that promotes independence and dignity. For example, when motor skills are affected, our staff assists in guiding food from plate to mouth. According to the 2024 guidelines from NHS Nutrition, maintaining motor skills is vital for preserving independence and well-being in older adults.
The Social Aspect of Mealtimes
Beyond nutrition, mealtimes provide an opportunity for social interaction, contributing to a person’s emotional and mental well-being. Loved ones at Stanfield Nursing Home have the choice to dine as part of a group, in various social areas, or privately in their rooms. Social dining can reduce feelings of isolation and promote a sense of community, which is important for overall health.
In cases where individuals need extra support, our nursing home staff ensures they are still fully involved in the mealtime experience. We believe in preserving dignity and independence wherever possible, encouraging participation when motor skills improve.
Quality Food and Well-being
At Stanfield Nursing Home, food and nutrition play a central role in the care we provide. Research continues to show that good nutrition is key to physical health, memory retention, and emotional well-being. That’s why we make every effort to provide nutritious, delicious meals made from quality ingredients, ensuring every loved one receives the best care possible.
If you would like to learn more about the care we provide at our UK Nursing Home,
please feel free to contact us at 01905 420 459 OR arrange a visit to tour our home and gardens.
Sources: