This week our private dining room looked a little different.
The tables were set up for a food-tasting afternoon, Chinese-inspired music playing in the background, and residents gathered to see what was coming out of the kitchen next. The idea was simple – try a range of dishes together and see what people actually thought.
We served spring rolls, prawn toast, stuffed bao buns and salt & pepper prawns, among other things. Some residents knew exactly what they liked straight away and gave very honest reviews.
What stood out wasn’t really the food. It was the interaction around it. Sitting together gave everyone a reason to talk.
Activities in a care home don’t always need to be complicated. Shared experiences like this naturally encourage confidence and connection. For some residents it was about reminiscing, for others it was simply being part of a group and having an opinion that mattered.
By the end of the afternoon everyone had a favourite and the room had that comfortable noise you get when people feel relaxed with each other.
A busy afternoon, good company and something a bit different – sometimes that is exactly what makes the biggest difference.
