At Athena Care Homes, we understand that the small details can make a significant difference, especially when it comes to creating a home-like environment for our residents.
While the fundamental aspects of care—like health, safety, and comfort—are essential, we believe that fostering an environment where choice, independence, and dignity are prioritised can truly enhance the quality of life for those we care for.
One of the core values that drive our approach is the empowerment of our residents through choice, even in the seemingly minor aspects of daily living, such as the selection of coffee, cutlery, and crockery. This principle not only respects their individuality but also ensures that our care homes remain places where people feel truly at home.
The power of choice in care
The importance of choice extends beyond simple preferences—it is about maintaining a sense of control and self-identity. In a care home setting, where many aspects of life can feel regulated or beyond one’s control, the ability to make personal choices becomes even more valuable.
For our residents, being able to choose their coffee blend, cutlery style, or the colour of their plates is a small but powerful affirmation of their autonomy. We recognise that these everyday decisions are ones they would have made for themselves in their own homes, and we are committed to preserving that sense of independence and individuality.
Emma Aust, Regional Director at Athena Care Homes, elaborates on this commitment: “At Athena, we want our residents to feel that they are not just cared for but also celebrated as individuals who have a say in their daily lives.
“Whether it’s choosing their own cutlery or their favourite coffee, these decisions help maintain their dignity and independence. It’s about creating a care environment that isn’t institutionalised and feels like home.”
A sip of comfort: Our coffee trial
Two years ago, we launched a coffee trial at Aria Court in March, which quickly became a welcomed initiative among our residents and their relatives.
Coffee is more than just a beverage; it’s a comforting ritual that many people enjoy daily. We know that some people have a true passion for coffee and we wanted to bring this experience into our care homes by offering a variety of coffee blends and strengths, allowing residents to find their preferred cup. To make this trial more engaging, we transformed it into a mini coffee-tasting event, inviting our coffee supplier to present a range of options.
Having a good cup of fresh coffee is a regular part of life for most people, and we believe this shouldn’t change simply because someone chooses to live in a care home. The coffee bar is an important feature in every Athena care home, providing a welcoming space where residents can gather, socialise, and enjoy a familiar, comforting experience.
But it’s about more than just coffee – it’s about creating a warm, social atmosphere that allows our residents to enjoy the experience of a high street coffee shop.
This initiative wasn’t just about finding the perfect brew; it was about giving our residents the power to choose. In their own homes or favourite coffee shops, they would select their preferred coffee, so why should that change in a care setting? This commitment to maintaining the dignity and independence of our residents is a guiding principle in all our decisions.
Cutlery with confidence: A trial at Goodwins Hall
Building on the success of the coffee trial, we next turned our attention to cutlery—a fundamental aspect of every mealtime.
Just as in many family homes, our care homes had a variety of cutlery standards and styles. We wanted to ensure that all our homes provided cutlery that was not only practical but also dignified and consistent across locations.
At Goodwins Hall in Kings Lynn, we conducted a trial involving several different styles, sizes, and weights of cutlery. Our residents were involved every step of the way, and their feedback was invaluable in guiding our selection process.
The choice of cutlery isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about ensuring that the items are manageable, well-weighted, and something they would have chosen at home – our residents chose a simple, elegant style called Du Barry.
For us, promoting dignity and independence at mealtimes is vital. The ability to eat independently for as long as possible is important for our residents, and the right cutlery can make all the difference.
If a fork or knife is too heavy or awkward, it can become a barrier rather than a tool for independence. That’s why we made sure to act on the feedback we received. The DuBarry cutlery isn’t just a one-off; it’s now an option that all our homes can order when replenishing their supplies.
A question of crockery: The latest trial at Alex Wood House
Our most recent trial, conducted at Alex Wood House in Cambridge, focused on crockery. There is a considerable amount of research highlighting the impact of crockery colour and shape on dining experiences, particularly for older adults and those living with dementia.
We wanted to explore how these factors might influence our residents’ dining experiences, so we experimented with various types of crockery, including coloured plates and plates with a lip, which can assist those with visual impairments, fine motor challenges, or other disabilities.
Research indicates that the colour of crockery can significantly impact food intake. Studies show that people tend to eat more from coloured plates, which can be particularly beneficial for residents who need encouragement to maintain a healthy appetite.
During our trial, we observed that coloured crockery not only enhanced the visual appeal of the meals but also seemed to positively influence the dining experience for many residents.
In addition to coloured plates, we also revisited the types of cups used in our coffee bars. While large, coffee chain-style cups are popular, they aren’t always the most practical for our residents. We are now exploring smaller, more manageable mugs and cups that are both functional and visually appealing.
Plate psychology: How crockery influences dining perceptions
Plate psychology is a fascinating field that delves into how the colour, shape, and size of plates can influence our perception of food. These seemingly minor details can significantly affect taste, flavour, and overall meal satisfaction. This concept is particularly relevant in care homes, where stimulating appetite and encouraging residents to eat are often priorities.
For example, using smaller plates can help control portion sizes for those who need to reduce their food intake. However, in care homes, where the challenge is often the opposite—encouraging residents to eat more—using larger or more colourful plates can make food appear more abundant and appetizing.
Studies have shown that warm colours like red, orange, and yellow can stimulate appetite, while cooler colours such as blue and green may have a calming effect but are less likely to enhance appetite.
This knowledge is particularly useful for managing picky eaters, who may have specific aversions or preferences. A study by the University of Portsmouth’s Department of Psychology found that picky eaters perceived snacks as saltier when eaten from red and blue bowls compared to white ones, and they found snacks less desirable when consumed from red bowls.
For non-picky eaters, the bowl colour had little effect on taste perception. These insights suggest that plate colour can be a strategic tool in care homes, potentially helping to enhance the dining experience for residents with specific preferences or dietary challenges.
Importance of choice and dignity
Choice and dignity are fundamental elements in the care of residents in care homes. They contribute significantly to the quality of life, well-being, and overall satisfaction of residents. Here are the top ten reasons why choice and dignity are important for our residents:
1. Preserves individuality and identity: Allowing residents to make choices and treating them with dignity helps maintain their sense of self and identity. It recognises them as unique individuals with their own preferences, histories, and values.
2. Enhances autonomy and control: Providing choices empowers residents to have control over their own lives, even in a care setting. This autonomy can reduce feelings of helplessness and dependency, contributing to a more positive experience.
3. Improves mental and emotional wellbeing: Feeling respected and valued boosts residents’ self-esteem and emotional wellbeing. It can reduce anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues commonly faced by those in care settings.
4. Promotes respect and trust: Upholding dignity and providing choices demonstrates respect for the residents, fostering a relationship of trust between residents and caregivers. This can lead to better communication and cooperation.
5. Supports personal preferences and cultural sensitivity: Recognising and respecting individual choices ensures that care is tailored to meet personal, cultural, and religious needs, making the care environment more inclusive and comfortable.
6. Enhances quality of life: Allowing residents to make decisions about their daily lives—such as what to wear, what to eat, or how to spend their time—significantly improves their quality of life by making their environment feel more like home.
7. Encourages participation and engagement: When residents are given choices, they are more likely to engage in activities and participate in their own care. This active involvement can lead to better physical and cognitive outcomes.
8. Reduces behavioural issues: Respecting residents’ choices and dignity can reduce frustration and resistance, often seen as behavioural issues in care settings. When residents feel heard and valued, they are less likely to exhibit challenging behaviours.
9. Promotes safety and wellbeing: Respecting choice and dignity involves listening to residents’ needs and concerns, which can help identify and address issues related to their safety and overall wellbeing, such as discomfort or pain.
10. Fulfils ethical and legal responsibilities: Upholding choice and dignity aligns with ethical standards and legal frameworks that govern care provision, ensuring that residents’ rights are respected and protected.
Conclusion: Empowering choices for dignified living
At Athena Care Homes, every choice we make is guided by our commitment to providing dignified, independent living for our residents. From the coffee they drink to the cutlery they use and the plates they eat from, we believe our residents deserve to have a say. After all, these are the kinds of decisions they made for themselves at home, and there’s no reason that should change now.
By involving them in these choices, we’re not just creating a more comfortable care home environment—we’re respecting their autonomy and enhancing their quality of life.
In a world where aging can often feel like a loss of control, our goal is to ensure that our residents continue to feel empowered, respected, and at home. Through initiatives like our coffee, cutlery, and crockery trials, we strive to make every day a little brighter and every meal a moment of dignity and delight. At Athena Care Homes, it’s not just about providing care—it’s about creating a community where every resident can thrive.
If you’d like to find out more about life in one of our care homes, you can find your local home here.
