Aria Court is thrilled to introduce its Head Chef, Lisa Whymark. With an impressive 17-year journey within the care sector, Lisa brings a wealth of experience and commitment to her role—transforming the dining experience for residents through passion, care, and culinary excellence.
Lisa’s journey at Aria Court began in the laundry and domestic services team. Her dedication and work ethic quickly saw her transition to a kitchen assistant and cook, where her love for cooking truly flourished. Now, as our Head Chef, Lisa reflects on the path that led her here.
“My Nan was my inspiration,” she shares fondly. “She was the head chef at a Sue Ryder hospice, and I always wanted to be like her. Working in care isn’t just about providing a service—it’s about making a difference in people’s lives.”
For Lisa, working at Athena Care Homes is more than just a job—it’s a vocation. “For me, it’s the best job ever,” she says with a smile. “I love to cook, and to be able to do it for a living is a pleasure. I get to see the smiles on people’s faces every day. My job is all about making people happy and caring for them during some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives.”
Understanding that food is a deeply personal experience, Lisa ensures that residents have a say in what they eat. “We want everyone here to feel like they have a say in their meals. When residents move in, we start by asking about their likes and dislikes, and we keep checking in with them regularly,” she explains.
The menu at Aria Court changes seasonally based on feedback. Lisa and her team even organise taster sessions before finalising new menus to make sure they are catering to everyone’s preferences. This proactive approach ensures that mealtimes are not just a routine but something to look forward to.
Caring for the nutritional and health needs of residents is a responsibility Lisa takes seriously. She meticulously plans meals to accommodate various dietary requirements. “We make sure we cover all bases when it comes to nutrition and health,” she says. “Whether it’s low salt, low sugar, low fat, or even increased fat, as well as modified foods for those who need them, every meal is tailored to meet the specific needs of our residents.”
Caring for residents living with dementia goes beyond just food—it encompasses the entire dining experience. “We provide a range of specially modified foods, all made fresh right here in our kitchen,” she notes. But her efforts don’t stop there. The team uses brightly coloured cloths and special utensils to help residents feel comfortable and maintain their dignity.
Additionally, they use a ‘show me tell me’ approach, where residents are shown a plated example of the food on offer, helping those living with dementia make their own choices that reflect their preferences.
Lisa is passionate about making every meal an occasion. Currently, Aria Court is implementing two special programmes—Mealtime Champions and Protected Mealtimes—designed to elevate the dining experience.
“Mealtime Champions is all about presentation, service, portion sizes, and individuality,” Lisa explains. “Each meal is an occasion to be eagerly anticipated and thoroughly enjoyed.” To this end, she provides simple yet effective training for the team, teaching them techniques to enhance the presentation of every dish, from perfectly plated mashed potatoes to attractive garnishes.
Families are always welcome at Aria Court, where they can join their loved ones for a meal in the home’s café area, offering the feel of dining out without ever leaving the care home. Lisa and her team also take great pride in celebrating residents’ birthdays, creating special meals and cakes to mark the occasion.
With Lisa at the helm, the catering team at Aria Court is in good hands. Her dedication to making every meal special, her respect for residents’ individual needs, and her commitment to continually enhancing the dining experience are just a few reasons why she is a perfect fit for this role. As Lisa continues to innovate and inspire, residents at Aria Court can look forward to many more delicious and thoughtful meals ahead.
