Nutrition and dining

At Westcliffe we place a lot of importance on food, nourishment and fluid intake. Knowing that mealtimes are something the residents look forward to most we strive to make the dining experience as pleasurable and sociable as possible. Staff offer help to eat/drink where it is needed and also record what is happening, in order to monitor diet/fluid intake and promote optimal health.

Westcliffe operates a 4-week menu cycle and asks for feedback/suggestions in our regular residents’ meetings. We serve meals which are high in quality and taste, offer choice and can cater for all who suffer from dysphagia (swallowing or drinking difficulties) and require variations of thickened liquids or texture modified food. Individual likes/dislikes are noted, we use various alternative ways to communicate with those who may find that difficult, so that everyone is served with what they want.

Breakfast, lunch and tea are served daily and the catering team can ‘knock up a snack’ for a resident at any time. We also have a snack station from which residents can choose fruit, a bag of crisps, wrapped biscuits or protein bars and there are always cakes and chocolates for all to enjoy. Hot and cold drinks are served at regular intervals throughout the day and we also have hydration stations throughout the home should someone wish to help themselves. Staff will gladly provide residents with a late night drink on request.

Residents are encouraged to eat in the main dining room as it is such a social occasion but it is no problem if someone chooses to dine in the comfort of their own room.

Special occasions such as Christmas and Easter are always big events and we often have themed days, which provide us with an opportunity to dress up and celebrate the food of different nations/cultures (Chinese New Year, Diwali, Thanksgiving to name just a few).

All residents’ birthdays are celebrated in style but if a family wishes to organise something special (for any reason) we are happy to help with the arrangements, including booking any entertainment that might be required.

Holders of the Dementia Quality Mark - awarded by Notttinghamshire County Council for excellence in dementia care.