Celebrating Christmas in care homes offers a chance to create joyful, memorable experiences for residents. For many people, this time of year is all about traditions, with food and drink playing a central role in festive celebrations.
But Christmas doesn’t have to mean that nutrition gets forgotten. By focusing on delicious and nutritious food, hydration and family, care homes can foster an environment that supports both physical health and emotional wellbeing.
Here are five key nutrition tips, aligned with the British Dietetic Association (BDA) Care Home Digest, to make this Christmas extra special for your residents.
1. Focus on protein during Christmas in care homes
Protein plays a vital role in maintaining muscle mass and strength, which is particularly important for older adults in care homes. This makes protein a central focus of care home nutrition, as emphasised in the BDA Care Home Digest.
Care home menus should aim to provide approximately 2,000 calories and 75 grams of protein per resident, per day. The Care Home Digest provides detailed guidance on how to meet these targets on page 49 onwards, recommending that breakfast should offer a minimum of 20g, main meals should offer a minimum of 30g (from the main course and dessert, starters are optional) and the second main meal should offer a minimum of 25g (from the main course and dessert). If care homes do not have access to a Dietitian to support with menu development, Chapter 3 of the Care Home Digest includes useful tables with the average energy and protein content of commonly consumed foods.
In order to meet your resident’s protein needs, each meal should include a good source of protein. For residents who eat fish, offer two portions per week, one of which should be an oily fish like salmon or mackerel, to ensure adequate intakes of essential omega-3 fatty acids. Other good sources of protein include meat, milk, eggs, cheese, lentils, beans, nuts and seeds. Processed meats such as sausages should be limited, as these do not provide as much protein per portion as unprocessed meat. If they are included on menus, pair alongside ingredients that are also a source of protein, for example, pair ham with cheese, sausages with Yorkshire puddings or bacon with beans.
Many traditional Christmas dishes feature excellent sources of protein, such as roasted meats or fish, making it easier for care homes to ensure that residents are getting enough protein during the festive season. For dishes that are lower in protein, consider fortification, especially for residents that have or are at risk of malnutrition. Fortification enhances the nutritional value of a dish without increasing the portion size, which is especially helpful for residents with a poor appetite who struggle to get the energy and nutrients that they need. While butter and cream are high in calories and can make a dish tasty, they are low in protein and other vitamins and minerals. Therefore, it’s recommended to fortify with nutrient-dense ingredients such as cheese, nuts (ground or nut butter), skimmed milk powder, Greek yoghurt and eggs to boost the protein and nutrient content.
For fortified recipe inspiration, check out our care home menu cycle guide.
Furthermore, side dishes such as starchy carbohydrates, Yorkshire puddings and stuffing, as well as drinks such as eggnog or hot chocolate also contribute protein. Take care when providing a buffet spread for residents, as these foods typically offer little in terms of protein and other nutrients such as fibre, vitamins and minerals. Wherever possible, ensure that hand held foods are nutritionally comparable to regular meals, especially for residents that specifically require ‘cutlery free’ options.
For more guidance on ‘cutlery free’ options, see our Cutlery Free Guide.
2. Add colour, variety and seasonal flair with plant-based foods
Incorporating plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds into care home meals is an excellent way to boost the nutritional value of your dishes. These plant-based options are packed with essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals and fibre, all of which support residents’ health and wellbeing.
Providing plenty of fruits and vegetables will also help meet the recommendations outlined in the Care Home Digest, which advises serving two 80g portions of vegetables with the main meal and one portion with the second main meal. Including plant-based ingredients is also a great opportunity to feature seasonal produce like Brussel sprouts, carrots and potatoes, which are all essential to a festive Christmas dinner.
Finally, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds also help to increase the protein content of dishes, as well as provide additional flavour and texture. Some delicious examples of festive plant-based dishes include:
- Lentil and spinach stuffed mushrooms
- Roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips and beetroot glazed with honey
- Red cabbage, baked in the oven with sweet onion, apple and raisins
- Brussel sprouts roasted in balsamic vinegar with toasted pecans
- A winter salad featuring crisp sliced apples, crunchy celery and toasted walnuts.
3. Don’t forget hydration
For normal bodily functions to take place, staying hydrated is essential. Water plays many key roles in the body, from regulating body temperature to helping to removing waste through urine. Dehydration is a serious condition that occurs when you don’t get enough fluids to meet your needs and has a range of consequences including confusion, constipation, urinary tract infections, falls and in severe cases, death.1
Hydration is important for care home residents all throughout the year, including the Christmas period when they may be more distracted by visitors, activities and other festivities.
Whilst water, milk, tea and coffee (without added sugar) are the best choices for residents teeth, all fluids count towards resident’s fluid intakes. Other beverages include fruit juice, squash, hot chocolate and even low alcohol drinks (up to 4% alcohol by volume, within the recommended limits). Additionally, residents can get fluids from foods like comforting soups, hearty stews and water-rich fruits and vegetables such as oranges, apples, Brussel sprouts and mushrooms.
For those who don’t enjoy plain water, try adding a festive twist with sparkling water and a wedge of orange, or opt for infused water using fruit peels, leftover herbs or spices. This not only helps residents stay hydrated but also reduces food waste! Why not let your residents enjoy our apple and cinnamon-infused recipe – a wonderful, warming seasonal choice.
For more infused water recipes and to read more about the importance of hydration, check out our blog on key healthy eating principles: 5 healthy eating principles you should never underestimate.
4. Positive mealtime experience
While nutrition and hydration are essential, mealtimes are also about enjoyment, connection and community, making the dining experience and environment just as important as the nutritional value of the meal.
Christmas brings unique opportunities for residents to eat well and enjoy the company of others. Festive events such as Christmas parties, games and activities often include seasonal foods and drinks, encouraging residents to snack and sip. Activities involving movement may also help stimulate residents’ appetite, while the holiday spirit encourages more residents to eat together, which can positively impact their appetite and food intake. Finally, spending time in communal areas filled with festive aromas and watching tables being set also helps create an inviting dining atmosphere, further encouraging residents to eat well.
To foster a warm and enjoyable dining environment, ensure the dining room is clean, cosy and accessible, with space between tables, subtle holiday decorations and quiet Christmas music if residents enjoy it. Where it’s safe and appropriate, residents could even participate in setting the table or preparing food or drinks, which adds a personal touch.
Ensure you offer a variety of meal options to cater to individual dietary preferences and needs, including texture modified and cutlery free choices, allowing all residents to fully participate in the meal experience. Festive-themed menus with pictures make it easier for residents to select a dish that they will enjoy, and staff should take time to explain the dishes on offer.
Where possible, you should allow residents to choose their meal at the point of service. Simple touches, such as serving gravy and sauces in a separate boat and offering a selection of trimmings, allows residents to personalise their plate according to their preferences. Furthermore, ensuring meals are well presented on the plate, with portion sizes tailored to each resident and offering seconds when appropriate, all contribute to a more enjoyable dining experience.
For those preferring to eat in their room, coordinate room service delivery with the service in the dining room to maintain consistency. The same principles should be applied for room service, such as serving food course by course and ensuring residents aren’t rushed, encouraging them to eat where appropriate. Finally, remain mindful of residents’ religious and cultural practices, offering alternatives for those who may not celebrate Christmas. As always, a person-centred approach is key to supporting residents in meeting their nutrition and hydration needs, as well as their emotional wellbeing during mealtimes.
5. Get family, friends and loved ones involved at Christmas in care
Christmas is the perfect time to bring residents, their families and loved ones together to celebrate. Hosting Christmas parties, games and activities can create a festive atmosphere, and involving family members makes these events even more special.
Consider organising a Christmas karaoke session, a cosy afternoon or evening with Christmas films, homemade mince pies, and eggnog, or a fun Christmas quiz. A Secret Santa exchange with residents is another great way to add some holiday cheer.
For many, Christmas is a time to connect with family and friends, so encourage visitors to join in the festivities. Think about timing carefully, as sharing a meal with loved ones can motivate some residents to eat, while others may prefer to enjoy their meal privately. It’s important to strike a balance and respect individual preferences. Family members can also play an important role in ensuring that residents’ dietary needs are met. They can communicate any specific preferences or dietary requirements, which can help you tailor the meals and snacks provided to suit each resident’s needs.
In conclusion, incorporating these five tips into your care home’s Christmas celebrations will help create a festive, inclusive atmosphere centred on residents’ health and well-being. Focusing on protein-rich meals, adding plant-based options and keeping residents well-hydrated supports their physical health throughout the season.
Furthermore, enhancing the mealtime experience with positive, social activities and involving family members adds to the festive spirit, while also encouraging residents to enjoy their meals. Remember, the holidays are about connection, so by catering to individual preferences and dietary needs, you can make Christmas truly special for each resident in your care, fostering a sense of belonging and joy.
For further dietary support and menu inspiration, visit our care home webpage: Care homes food suppliers and menu ideas.
Please contact your Account Manager to explore our collection of festive recipes for care through Bidfood Direct – our online shop.
Check out the BDA Care Home Digest for expert guidance on nutrition and hydration in care homes.
Read all about our recent Christmas development day with HC-One care homes, where we showcased festive dishes for residents at HC-One to sample, helping to shape their Christmas menu and provide a Christmas to remember!
