A CARE home in North Yorkshire has been nominated for a national award in recognition of its food and dining experience.

The Terrace, in Maison Dieu near Richmond is a finalist in the Nutrition, Food and Dining category in the national Care Home Awards.

The home’s qualified head chef, Caroline Mawhinney, has been recognised for her culinary and interpersonal skills and her care in tailoring dishes to residents’ personal tastes and dietary requirements, even recently creating a moderated bourbon biscuit for a resident who couldn’t eat them anymore.

To help create a relaxed, family environment at mealtimes, she also spends time with residents at meal times, often serving the food herself and residents are welcome to help in the kitchen if they wish, or look after the home’s own tomato and herb gardens.

Nicola Wilkins, home manager at The Terrace, which is owned by Care UK, said: “We are really honoured to have been shortlisted for Best Nutrition, Food or Dining Experience at the Care Home Awards.

“We take great care to provide balanced and nutritious dishes, and we regularly consult with residents. Recently, they’ve asked for ‘good Yorkshire food’ rather than world cuisine, so we have been focusing on this to make sure our menu reflects their tastes and preferences.

“Caroline works extremely hard to provide dishes that are not only nutritionally balanced, but also enjoyable to eat, and the team takes time to create a dining environment that is welcoming and relaxed.”

The Care Home Awards are held annually to celebrate excellence in the long-term care sector and reward staff working to provide outstanding care.