As we age, our memories become threads that connect us to who we are, where we’ve been, and the people we love. Even as routines, health, or mobility change, memories can provide comfort, stability, and joy.
The act of reminiscing (even simply talking about past experiences) is something most of us do naturally, without thinking of it as a ‘therapy’. At our Kent care home, we see every day how powerful those shared stories can be.
Apple tarte tatin is a true delight! This dessert mixes caramelised sweetness with tangy apple undertones. The flaky texture of the pastry is another winner, giving the tarte a buttery, flakey base.
We took inspiration from Oliver Rowe, and served ours with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whilst the tarte was still warm.
And it’s not just apples! Other fruit like pears and prunes also works great for this pudding.
Here’s how to make it yourself:
Gluten free chocolate cakes There’s nothing better than chocolate for a sweet treat, and these gluten free chocolate cakes were absolutely delicious! We took inspiration from My Gluten Free Guide, and found this was a very popular pudding for our residents. Sometimes, as we get older we can become more sensitive to gluten, as digestiveContinue reading “Gluten free chocolate cakes”
We all know what it’s like to feel stressed, and we all have certain triggers. Whether it’s a deadline at work, a missed flight, or a new social situation, stress is a natural part of life.
But as we get older, these stress triggers can change. Our health, and the health of our loved ones, becomes a more prominent source of stress, especially as this is something out of our control.
On top of that, there’s the possible move into a care home, which can be a hard transition to navigate. At Birchwood House, we want to recognise the impact stress can have on our wellbeing, whilst using gentle, effective ways to reduce anxiety.
So, what are some of the ways we manage stress to promote wellbeing?
January is National Hot Tea Month, and there is nothing better than a good cup of tea. It’s one of life’s small pleasures, and it’s a daily routine for many, including for us at Birchwood House!
Tea is also rooted in long-standing tradition and cultural significance. Legend says that tea was discovered by Emperor Shen Nung all the way back in 2732 BC, when leaves from a wild tree accidentally blew into his pot of boiling water. Tea came to Europe in the early 1600s, and we’ve been drinking it ever since.
To celebrate National Hot Tea Month, here are some of our favourite reasons why we drink it!
New year, new recipes! This month, Chef John aced his homemade vegetarian suet roulade. This is the perfect hearty winter meal, with roasted veg packed with soft suet pastry. We’ve paired this with mash, braised cabbage and vegetarian gravy, but it also goes great with a cheese sauce.
Merry Christmas!
This month is filled with festive fun for our residents, which means all sorts of Christmas crafts to get involved with. And these activities are suitable for anyone; crafting is a great way to boost mood, stimulate our brains, and make memories with those around us.
We’re sharing a run-down of how we’ve been making the most of this holiday season – use it as inspiration and show us anything you make!
Clementine Panna Cotta This dessert has been going down a treat with our residents! Inspired by taste buds, this clementine panna cotta is accompanied with an almond & fennel biscotti, packed with flavour. Keeping things festive, we topped our panna cotta with reindeers, but you can create any shape you like! Ingredients (panna cotta) IngredientsContinue reading “Clementine Panna Cotta”
When we get older, finding ways to move our body can get harder. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible! Using low-impact, gentle exercise is a great way to stay active without putting too much strain on ourselves.
Regular movement is important for a number of reasons, not to mention the physical and mental health benefits. A recent report by Care England even showed that regular physical activity is improving the health, confidence, and wellbeing of residents in care homes, and could even deliver savings of up to £96 million to the NHS.
This is a dish packed with flavour and spice. The chicken is filled with amino acids to support muscle growth and brain function, whilst the vegetables are rich in fibre and antioxidants. Both warming and filling, we’ve taken inspiration from The Cafe Sucre Farine to make this healthy, easy dinner.
