A passion for providing delicious and nutritious food and a varied programme of activities to promote wellbeing has won awards for two Braintree care homes.
The New Deanery and St Mary’s Court in Bocking scooped the Essex Care Sector Prosper Awards for Activities and Wellbeing and Diet, Nutrition and Hydration.
Chef Paul Westall won the Diet, Nutrition and Hydration Award for the second year running, with the judges praising his pride in how food is presented and his use of local suppliers for fresh, wholesome ingredients.
They said: “Passionate about ensuring residents enjoy delicious and nutritious food and drink, Paul ensures personal preferences are taken into account.” They highlighted his efforts to make food appetising for those who require a pureed soft diet and to create individual food plans maximising dietary intake for those whose health is deteriorating.
The judges added: “He promotes protected meal times to create an unhurried experience. Paul makes time to speak to residents about their meals, acting upon any feedback received.”
Activities manager Jo Whitehouse and her team won the Activities and Wellbeing Award – less than a month after Jo scooped the Care Home Activity Organiser award at the Great British Care Awards, East of England.
The Prospers judges praised the Activities team for creating “a programme of activities to encompass all interests.” They said the activities, which range from arts, crafts, quizzes and games to gardening, bowling and swimming - as well as regular trips out and takeaway evenings – enhanced independence and wellbeing.
They added: “Regular monthly residents’ forums are held to discuss what activities they would like.”
Julia Clinton, CEO of Sonnet Care Homes, which runs The New Deanery and neighbouring St Mary’s Court, said: “Our whole team does a fantastic job to give our residents choice and independence, ensuring they can choose how they spend their time and what they like to eat. We are so pleased they have been recognised for their professionalism and quality of service.”
The Prosper Awards showcase the hard work and dedication in the care sector in Essex and celebrate innovative practice and outstanding achievement.
