Oonagh Boon, Hospitality and Catering Manager, Belong, Marvellous Mealtimes Belong Villages “Ultimately good food and an enjoyable mealtime can improve one’s satisfaction with life. “

Belong villages are places where people can feel at home in their own private space whilst being in close proximity to a range of facilities and activities that are available within a vibrant community. Belong provides flexible services and accommodation that will adapt to the changing needs of older people along their life journey. Belong - a unique lifestyle concept for older people.

Village centre Households Apartments Belong at Home Belong villages Experience Days

Bistro Hair & Beauty Salon The Venue Internet Café Vibrant communities Exercise Studio

Core Village Facilities 72 en suite Bedrooms 26 Apartments Belong village layout Support Services Dementia Care Nursing Care Intermediate / Respite Personal Care Belong at Home 12 bedroom households

Belong dining options Bistro Dining experience Family and friends Subtle support Take away Households Belong card

Belong Households Patio doors on to secure garden area or balcony Large bedrooms with en-suite shower Lounge & Living Space Dining Area Domestic Kitchen Spa Bathroom Open Plan Living Secure Entrance Belong Households Belong households

Kitchens at the heart of the household  High visibility  Purposeful activity  Smells  Real choice  Flexible mealtimes  Access and involvement  Improved appetite

Marvellous Mealtimes Our strategy for improving nutrition and enjoyment Recognise signs of malnutrition and dehydration Improve nutritional awareness Staff training Use of MUST for all Recognise weight loss; do something about it Provide real choices Prevent illness, promote independence and well being Improve Mealtimes and Mealtimes

Outcomes Positive experiences Nutritional importance increased Awareness of physical need- ageing process Social support and friendship Partnership and family involvement Relaxing with time to make choices Sense of security, create meaning and order to the day Hostess role developed Importance of crockery, mats etc.

“We aim to protect and improve family mealtimes and create a calm atmosphere for our customers” Belong Code of Practice

1.Ensure that mealtimes provide an opportunity for residents to socialise with others, to make choices according to their own preferences and to relax. 2.Create a relaxed and social atmosphere by limiting distractions and minimalising noise. 3.Encourage residents to participate in the preparation of meals where possible. 4.Assess each person as an individual and help to develop a diet with the chef that people find appetising and appealing. Belong Code of Practice

5.Encourage residents to make real choices through the provision of pictures and menus. 6.Involve residents in household menu planning 7.Make healthy snacks and drinks visible, accessible and available throughout the day. 8.Present all food in an appetising manner 9.Avoid the use of laxatives and high calorie food supplements by offering a well balanced diet and food that boosts calories, protein and roughage. Belong Code of Practice

10.Be flexible in the times of food service and offer favourite foods at the times a resident prefers and the place eg Bistro. 11.Always carry out a nutritional assessment for anyone that we are worried about and refer to a dietician where necessary. 12.Make sure medication is only given with meals if prescribed as such 13.Remind visitors, GPs, nurses and other visiting professionals not to disturb mealtimes, but welcome them to join us. Belong Code of Practice

14.Provide crockery and cutlery that is easy to use and is recognisable. 15.Get involved in mealtimes and take our meals with the residents where possible. 16.Do not to take breaks during mealtimes unless it is enjoyed sitting with the residents. 17.Allow sufficient time for people to really savour their food by not offering the next course until people are ready. 18.Ensure ‘Hot’ food and drinks are ‘Hot’! 19.Serve coffee/tea at the table after a meal to allow residents time to relax and chat Belong Code of Practice

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