AN ‘OVERWHELMED’ catering manager at a Thurlaston care home has won a national award for treating her residents to homemade meals.
Lyn Davies from Thurlaston Meadows Care Home was named Independent Care Home Caterer of the Year at the National Independent Care Home Catering Awards.
At a ceremony at The Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington, she was praised by the judges for cooking everything from scratch with locally sourced products – and also for making mealtimes a social event.
Lyn said: “When I heard I had been nominated by a resident, I was so pleased. Then to become a finalist and win it was totally overwhelming.
“I class myself as very lucky to have a job that I love, and enjoy coming into work every day.
“We pride ourselves on the motto ‘happiness is homemade’, ensuring everything is homemade with locally sourced products which promotes a healthy diet.”
Lyn brought a wealth of catering experience to the care home when she joined in 2016 as a chef – and was rewarded with a promotion just six months later.
It was around that time that her mother was diagnosed with dementia, which Lyn says gave her an even greater understanding of how important food is in residents’ daily routines.
“My mother has been coming in to Thurlaston Meadows for respite,” she said. “She loves the ambience of the dining room and food.
“Our kitchen is situated in the centre of the home which sends smells of home baking around the home, encouraging appetites.
“We do like to encourage residents to come to the dining room for mealtimes so they can enjoy the food and the social side of it all.
“Everyone dines together which encourages a better appetite and a sense of community. We have music playing which can trigger memories and a good old sing song while enjoying their food.
“Everyone comes together to eat, chat, sing and laugh.”
