Aria Care Group, which has over 50 communities across England, Scotland and Jersey, prides itself on providing ‘hospitality from the heart’. The care group has created a nutrition and hydration framework which enables and encourages homes to create a more holistic, nutritious and well balanced food, drink and hospitality offer.
According to Age UK, it’s estimated that around one in ten people over the age of 65 are malnourished or are at risk of malnutrition - over one million older people in the UK.
Now in its 12th year, Nutrition and Hydration Week aims to bring people together to create energy, focus and fun in order to highlight and educate people on the value of food and drink in maintaining health and wellbeing in social care.
During the week, Aria’s communities were encouraged to showcase their offering in various ways, from Monday Munchies (small bites) and Thirsty Thursday promoting the importance of hydration, to participating in a global tea party on Wednesday 13th March.
The week will culminate with a community Open Day on Saturday 16th March from 10am to 4pm, which every home will be taking part.
James Clear, director of hospitality at Aria Care, said: “Our aim is always to provide the very best hospitality experience for the people living in our communities. Food and drink is really important for social interaction and comfort, but it’s also key that as well as being delicious, our meals are as nutritionally balanced as possible to keep residents as healthy - both mentally and physically - as possible.
“We know there are many reasons why a person in a care home may struggle to eat well, from varying levels of dysphagia to a loss or change of appetite, which is why we are proud to provide ‘hospitality from the heart’; taking the time to get to know each and every resident that comes through the doors of one of our communities to find out about them and their preferences when it comes to what they eat and drink.”
The delivery of the nutrition and hydration framework is supported by Aria’s recently launched Chef Academy which aims to support people with their development and career prospects and nurture Aria’s own homegrown culinary talent.