When it comes to eating a healthy, balanced diet Roseleigh cook Maureen Williamson practices what she preaches.
Maureen, 56, was determined to get fitter and has dropped from 15stone to 11 and a half stone in recent years – helped by healthy meal plans and plenty of exercise with her ten grandchildren.
And she’s just as careful about the meals she cooks for residents at Roseleigh – where for new arrivals the immediate challenge can be underweight or malnutrition.
“Good food and good portions is the secret and it’s very satisfying to see them improve day by day, week by week,” says Maureen. “You can see them becoming healthier and how much they enjoy and look forward to the food.”
Maureen recently drew up a series of allergen sheets which are posted in the home so residents and relatives are aware of the ingredients in every meal, an innovation that drew praise from local council inspectors. She is also a “nutrition champion” for the home.
It’s one of a number of changes and legal requirements Maureen has helped to implement during her 16 years at the home which ensure residents can chose from a range of tasty and nutritionally balanced meals.
“Every meal is balanced in terms of protein, meat and vegetables, I know the source of every ingredient we use,” said Maureen. “We source all meat, fish, dairy and vegetables locally and get tinned goods from the same company that supplies local schools.”
Maureen takes time to get to know the residents and prides herself on being able to adapt the menu to meet any allergy, religious or personal preferences.
“Roseleigh is a way of life for me,” said Maureen. “You get to know the residents, they become part of your family and I’ll always do the best I can for my family.”
