Country Range is launching a new series of activity cards to help care home caterers and activity co-ordinators plan their menus and calendars. They provide ideas not only for meals, but also for activities, along with hints and tips on how to modify dishes for people with dysphagia or dementia and ensure they are nutrient dense in line with the guidance in the BDA Care Home Digest.
Rachel Porter, Own Brand Manager, Country Range Group, says, “We know that planning menus around special events and key dates can be challenging, particularly when you’re looking for ideas beyond the usual daily menu. These cards save time by giving inspiration and practical ideas for menus, rather than having to start from scratch. It’s not just about the food; the cards give teams ideas for activities that can be incorporated throughout the day. They enable care homes to plan ahead and create special experiences for their residents.”
What do the cards entail?
The cards, which are free to download, include useful templates that can be printed off and used in craft activities. Andy Cullum is a chef and trainer, known as the IDDSI guy and has worked with Country Range on creating the activity cards. He says, “We’re hoping this series of cards will make planning easier and encourage greater collaboration between the kitchen and activity teams. The cards provide that initial spark of inspiration. Ultimately, we want to help create meaningful and memorable days not only for residents, but staff as well.”
Andy says, “Valentine’s Day can bring back different emotions and memories for residents. We decided to focus on the activity rather than make it about the celebration. Shortbread hearts can form part of an activity – residents can get together to bake and decorate. As the cards continue to develop, we hope caterers will see them as fun and inspiring to use, but also as a way of learning and building their confidence around modifying food. The idea is to give teams the inspiration first and then the tools and knowledge to make those ideas work.”
Visit The Iddsi Guy website for more information.
Key events are covered throughout the year including:
Diwali – 8th November
Recipes include Cheese and Spinach Pakoras, Cardamom Shortbread Fingers and Mango and Yoghurt Shrikhand Style Dessert. Activities to choose from include lantern making, a spice-smelling sensory session and decorating LED tealights.
Hanukkah – 4th December
Recipes include apple and cinnamon squares and mini potato latkes. Suggestions for activities include colouring or painting dreidel pictures and colouring or painting paper menorahs.
Christmas – 25th December
Recipes include Prawn Cocktail, Roast Turkey Dinner and Trifle, while activity suggestions include decorating gingerbread biscuits, holding a Christmas jumper fashion show, creating a memory tree with festive stories and organising a Christmas pudding stirring ceremony.
Valentine’s Day – 14th February
Recipes include shortbread hearts and friendship afternoon teas with flower arranging and a famous couples quiz as activity ideas.
“In our previous booklets, we have already covered methods for modifying different types of food. We would encourage caterers to use these resources alongside the activity cards, as they provide more detailed information and practical guidance on food modification.” – Andy Cullum
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