Healthy eating is important at all stages of our lives, but increasingly so as we get older. Unfortunately, this isn’t always easy for the very elderly or sick.
That’s where caterers come in. Most people think of nurses, social workers and carers when asked to think of jobs in the social care sector.
It’s caterers, however, who provide nutritious food on home visits and to those in care homes are imperative to keeping everyone in good health.
But there’s much more to it than microwaving a ready meal.
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Culinary creativity
Very often patients require specialist diets, which means researching and ensuring the right ingredients are always used.
And since everyone loves a tasty, well-prepared meal, this is a role that also requires imagination rather than just throwing everything into a food processor.
The challenge of turning a textured meal, such as a roast dinner, into something edible for a person with eating difficulties is what has attracted many to the job.
The days of the all-mighty food blender are over. Long live new methods such as food moulds and piping!
Nutritional know-how
The elderly benefit greatly from eating good food and so there’s a lot to consider when designing their meals.
Unlike young people, they don’t require the same calorie intake as their metabolism slows down, but they do still need the same amount of nutrients.
For example, they need extra calcium and vitamin D in order to keep their bones strong, and plenty of fibre to reduce the risk of developing conditions such as heart disease.
Catering staff work closely with dieticians and nutritionists, who are training chefs and cooks to meet increasingly complex dietary needs.
A love of learning
If you’re already part of the catering sector and would like to move into social care, it’s becoming easier than ever to make the switch.
But learning is built into the process. A new qualification focusing on professional cookery and social care was established this year.
Its aim is to create a pathway straight into care catering, as well as awarding candidates with professional recognition.
Whether you’re a dietician, nutritionist or chef, a role in care is not only filling . . . it’s incredibly fulfilling.
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