Within today’s society we now understand that it is important for people to continue to eat well as they age. Whilst it may be that an older person needs less energy in terms of calorific intake, they will still require the same amount of protein, vitamins, and minerals to maintain their health and well-being.
In 1932 when we opened our business (over 90 years ago) residents’ food and nutrition requirements were perceived very differently.
Historical vs Modern Nutrition within the Nursing Home
Looking through our company archives from the 1950’s, food was seen as a prescriptive medicine for those convalescing. Food and mealtimes were primarily functional and served in bedrooms with limited variation, flavour or texture.
The Birtley House cooks of the time made handwritten notes indicating a strong recommendation to serving residents smooth textures – with no strong flavours, examples of these foods include creamy mash, mushy peas, simple soups or pureed food.
This outlook to hospital and care home food is also demonstrated within the advertising of that era, when products used this negative perception of the food and nutrition to sell their solutions to this demographic:
“It is suggested that those who have the care of an invalid or a convalescent on their hands should try giving the patient Ovaltine. Its flavour is delicious, and it is always welcomed even by the most capricious and fastidious.”
When Food is Distasteful, Arbroath Herald and Advertiser, 18 March 1938
Historically, care residents are referred to as ‘invalids’ and ‘convalescents’, common terms used in Britain at the time, to refer to people of ill health or those suffering medically.
Food and Nutrition at Birtley House, Today
We are pleased that the approach to food and nutrition and society’s perception of a care home role has significantly evolved since the 1950’s.
Today, all our residents are given a choice of food options, reflecting our person-centred approach. This means that our catering team work hard to prepare, offer and deliver different meal varieties throughout day. Personal choice and variety are at the heart of our menus and at Birtley House, you’re allowed to be picky!
Flavoursome dishes of worldwide cuisine, including Indian, Chinese and Thai are celebrated as part of our events and activities for the residents. On birthdays, residents are made to feel special with the opportunity to blow out their birthday candles and share their cake amongst friends. Like in the picture below of Margaret’s 100th birthday celebrations at Birtley House.
Except for cake, the nutritional value of all food served to residents at Birtley House Nursing Home is extremely high using the produce from our own on-site kitchen garden.
Another key change over the decades has been a significant change from being functionally fed in their rooms, to a culture where now all our residents are invited to our communal spaces to catch up with one another and enjoy a natter over their yummy dishes. The positive impact of social interaction on health is understood and appreciated. Recognising the importance of social interaction for wellness, mealtimes should be a pleasurable part of the day.
You have nothing to worry about if you are concerned about the quality and enjoyment of food in nursing homes. In fact, 90% of our carehome.co.uk respondents rate our food and drink services a whopping 5 stars – and that’s why we pride ourselves as your home from home, care home!
At Birtley House, we are proud to have an experienced, visiting nutritionist supporting our residents’ wellbeing with tailored, evidence-based dietary advice. With over 20 years of experience in sport, physical activity and nutrition industry, our nutritionist brings not only academic and scientific expertise, but a deep understanding of how to support meaningful, sustainable behaviour change – something that is vital in our care environment.
Holding a Level 4 Diploma in Nutrition and currently studying towards a Level 5 Diploma in Advanced Nutrient Metabolism and Immunity, she combines academic knowledge with lived experience. Her background in policy development within government and her family’s own health journey – including managing vegetarian and gluten-free needs – means she brings both empathy and practicality to her work with our residents.
Claire’s approach is rooted in whole-food, individualised nutrition, which is essential in a care setting where each person’s medical history, medication use, and long-term health goals must be considered. Her approach perfectly fits our holistic programme of support, ensuring that our residents overall wellbeing is prioritised. For older adults in particular, nutritional needs evolve, and a one-size-fits-all solution doesn’t work. Moving forward, our nutritionist will be working closely with the nursing and kitchen teams to make sure residents receive meals that not only nourish but also support key health functions.
Her presence at Birtley House supports our commitment to offering holistic, person-centred care. Whether adjusting meals to manage chronic conditions or guiding residents through age-appropriate nutritional changes, her role ensures our care continues to reflect the latest thinking in modern health and wellbeing.
Come and tour Birtley House Nursing Home today and visit our very own café, see what the residents are eating, and get a feel of the enjoyment through mealtimes our residents experience.