‘You are what you eat’ is a phrase many of us would agree with. And it’s as true for our live-in care clients as it is for you.
As we get older, or we lose the person who may have been the primary chef at home, it can be all too easy to lose interest in preparing meals for ourselves.
If you live close to your relative or friend, it’s worrying to see them get thinner if they’re living alone and perhaps not looking after themselves well.
And if you’re not based close by, you may be worrying about whether your loved one is eating properly, getting enough to eat and drink.
Our care home chefs play an important role in nourishing, not just feeding, our residents.
Our live-in care workers play just as critical a part in making sure their clients are eating and drinking well at home.
Preparing tempting things to eat
When a care worker lives with a client in their home, they are on hand to take care of the shopping and cooking. They monitor what your loved one is eating and prepare meals and snacks that will tempt them.
Our care workers understand that cooking for a client isn’t necessarily about making three square meals a day. Some people prefer to eat little and often. Many older people cannot face big meals, and prefer to graze. But it’s still important to make sure that these smaller portions are nutritiously-balanced and tasty.
Finding out what dishes will mean the plate is cleared is all part of our person-centred approach to care. No two clients have the same likes and dislikes.
Menu planning for dementia care at home
All the members of our 24-hour care at home team build a clear picture into what the people they’re supporting should ideally be eating.
For someone living with dementia this is very often a favourite meal from their childhood. Our clients with dementia particularly enjoy the puddings (for both mains and desserts) they grew up with.
Tasty treats are just one of the benefits of live-in care
These days it’s easier to find the ingredients to make these kinds of meals nutritious, not stodgy.
It means that elder live-in care can be an ideal solution for a friend or relative struggling to live alone and/or living with dementia.
Another of the benefits of care at home is that your family member can carry on living in their familiar environment. They are surrounded by their favourite possessions – nothing needs to change.
And this includes them being able to keep doing what they love to spend their time doing. Their live-in care worker can make sure they can get to appointments safely, and attend social groups, church or simply lunch arrangements.
Your loved one’s pets get fed too!
As someone’s care needs become more complex, it can be difficult for them to carry on caring for their pets. This can be devastating, as many older people cherish their pets’ companionship.
But having a live-in care worker on hand means pets get fed what they need, too. Dog walks can be part of your loved one’s care and support. All the family members benefits from having support in their home.
Talk to us about live-in care
We’re always happy to chat to you about how our 24-hour support can help you and your family.
Please call us on [responsetap] and we’ll answer any questions you may have.