Success on the menu for care Dumfries care home team

Success on the Menu for Dumfries Care Home Team

Allanbank Care Home in Dumfries has been awarded the Nutrition and Eating Well accolade at Scotland’s Care Home Awards 2024. The not-for-profit care home run by Sanctuary Care in Dumfries and Galloway was recognised for its exceptional home-cooked meals prepared by chef manager Sharon Marshall and assistant chef Leah Livingstone. Residents and staff alike are thrilled with this prestigious Scottish Care award.

In addition to this recent win, Allanbank is also a finalist for the Catering Team of the Year award at the upcoming Caring UK Awards 2024, scheduled to take place in Leicester on December 5. This recognition follows Allanbank being named Scotland Care Home of the Year in the Caring UK Awards 2023 and receiving a ‘very good’ rating from the Care Inspectorate earlier this year.

Sharon and Leah, along with the wider team, create a sense of community at Allanbank where food is not just about nutrition but also about joy, celebration, and connection. Sharon expressed her gratitude for the award, stating that it is a reflection of the entire team’s dedication to making mealtimes and events centred around food truly special. They are passionate about enhancing residents’ lives through their dining experience and strive to do so every day.

The team at Allanbank ensures that residents continue to have choices and enjoy their meals just as they did before moving into a care home. They have implemented healthier versions of traditional takeaway meals, such as a Chinese fakeaway with improved nutritional value. Additionally, themed food nights are a highlight, offering residents experiences that evoke memories and foster a sense of community and belonging.

Sharon actively involves residents in menu planning, seeking their feedback daily. She also cooks with residents, reviving their love for cooking and recreating family recipes from the Allanbank Recipe Book. The team’s commitment to providing not only delicious but also nutritious meals has garnered them this well-deserved recognition.

In summary, Allanbank Care Home’s success in winning the Nutrition and Eating Well accolade and being a finalist for the Catering Team of the Year award demonstrates their ongoing dedication to providing exceptional dining experiences for their residents. Through their innovative approaches to food preparation and community-building efforts, Allanbank sets a high standard for care homes across Scotland.

**Insights and Summary:**

Allanbank Care Home’s achievement in winning the Nutrition and Eating Well award highlights the importance of providing not just meals, but meaningful dining experiences for residents in care homes. By focusing on nutrition, celebration, and community-building through food, the team at Allanbank has created a welcoming and inclusive environment for residents. Their success serves as an inspiration for other care homes to prioritise not only the quality of food but also the overall dining experience for those they care for.