Adrian Riley, head chef at Boutique Care Homes’ Suffolk-based Brampton Manor, shares his experience of providing a great dining experience for residents.

Tell us about your background in care?

I have had a passion for food from a young age, which led me to attend catering college 24 years ago. Once I was qualified, I worked at various pubs and restaurants, then took the opportunity to join a Four Seasons care home as sous chef. After a few years I got promoted to head chef which I loved, but after 14 years working there a new exciting care home opened, Brampton Manor, in which I was offered the chef role. After a few months the head chef position came my way, which I love and been doing for nearly two years.

What is special about working at Brampton Manor?

The first day I started I was made to feel so welcome and part of the Brampton Manor family, and supported in every way. I love making a difference and seeing the residents’ happy faces every day. Through the year we have many events going on like Easter egg hunts and summer barbeques which the residents, family, friends and team enjoy a lot.

How do you vary your menu to provide choice to residents?

We have a daily four-week rolling menu which changes every three months. The base of the menu is traditional meals. We have fish Fridays, roast dinners on Wednesdays and Sundays, and various pies and stews. Dessert-wise, residents love their various crumbles, puddings, trifles and éclairs. We have monthly meetings with the residents in which they can have their input and say on the menus we create.    

How do you meet residents’ nutritional and health needs?

We get our nutritional information from the clinical team, which helps support us in providing all the requirements needed for good nutrition. We are trained in modified diets which means we can give food with the right texture. On top of that we monitor diets for weight loss or gain, as some residents require fortified milk and meals or milkshakes in between meal times. There are also extra choices during mealtimes if the residents fancy something different.

How do you care for residents with dementia?

We have adapted cutlery and offer same day choices and presentation plates for the meals so the residents can do a visual choice. We find residents really benefit from seeing the meals first to support decision-making. Also, menus are created in bigger print and clear style of writing for those with visual impairments.

What’s your most popular dish?

Always the classic fish and chips or roast dinners – they are on all year round. The residents like their Sunday supper buffet with chocolate éclairs and cheese and biscuits to follow.

What’s your favourite dish?

I love my Asian food as I have spent time out there. I do also like my pastry dishes as I have a sweet tooth.

How do you make the dining experience special for residents and families?

Mealtimes are the most important time of the day, it means a lot to everybody. We are very open for family and friends to join at mealtimes. We have a very comfortable dining room in which they can relax. Throughout the year we have theme days like Chinese New Year, summer parties and Christmas Day, making it as special as we can for all the residents.