Countdown to virtual care awards

At Oakdale, we are excited to have been nominated at the national Care Home Awards 2020.

The event was postponed in May due to the pandemic. Consequently, it returns in a live-streamed format this Friday.  The awards will be hosted by the TV announcer Alan Dedicoat and have added poignancy this year as a result of the extraordinary efforts and sacrifices made by the UK care sector.

Award nomination

We are a finalist in the category of Best Nutrition, Food or Dining Experience. The award nomination is due to the work of our Head Chef, David Black and his catering team.

David’s considered approach to each resident’s past medical history impressed the judges. For instance, he measured how current medication affects their interaction with food. David recognises that food and nutrition are very important elements of the care that a resident receives.

Our Head Chef, David Black, says:

“Preparing freshly cooked, nutritional meals is a top priority for me. This is something that I have been delivering from the outset. I strive to inject passion and personality into our meals. This not only provides our residents with their nutritional needs, but consequently it also makes the dining experience enjoyable and continually varied.”

He added: “When creating the weekly menu, we take into consideration all of our residents’ specific requirements.  We produce balanced meals that both appeal to the taste buds but also have a positive impact on their health. Misconceptions are often made with regards to an elderly person’s diet. For example, it is necessary to incorporate some fat into the diet. As such, Omega fats commonly found in oily fish can help to improve circulation, lower blood pressure and can reduce the risk of heart disease.”

Lindsay Rees, Head of Care and Quality Assurance of Encore Care Homes, which manages Oakdale, said:

“I am extremely delighted that David Black and the team has received this recognition for their hard work. This passion and commitment to the food and nutrition of residents is as a result of what sets us apart in the care industry. It’s always very satisfying to see the personal touch that our staff extend to all our residents throughout Encore.”

The Care Home Awards 2020 takes place virtually on September 11.  We have everything crossed for success at the awards…  Watch this space!