Safe, Enjoyable, and Dignified Dining through IDDSI

Every single one of our care home residents deserves a safe, enjoyable, and dignified dining experience, especially those with swallowing difficulties, also known as dysphagia. Our commitment to excellence in this area is reflected in our dedication to the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) framework, an internationally recognised approach that ensures meals are prepared safely and suitably for each resident's needs. By adhering to IDDSI standards, we not only safeguard our residents' health but also enrich their quality of life through meals that are both familiar and satisfying.

What is IDDSI?

The IDDSI framework was developed to provide a consistent, standardised approach to food and drink textures, making it easier for healthcare providers and caregivers to ensure safety in eating and drinking. The framework is represented by a scale of numbered levels, ranging from 0 to 7, with each level specifying a unique texture of food or thickness of liquid—from thin beverages to regular, unmodified foods. IDDSI guidelines are particularly valuable for residents with dysphagia, as they mitigate risks associated with swallowing difficulties, such as choking, aspiration, and malnutrition.

Implementing IDDSI at Meallmore means that every meal, snack, and drink can be tailored to each resident's specific needs, ensuring they are both safe and enjoyable. This structured approach allows our residents to dine with confidence and comfort while our catering teams can uphold the dignity of every individual by providing food that is not only safe to consume but also presented in a familiar and appetising way.

Why IDDSI Matters in Our Homes

IDDSI is essential in helping us meet the personalised needs of our residents. For those living with dysphagia, mealtime can be challenging. Through IDDSI, however, we create meals that residents can enjoy comfortably without compromising safety. This system of modified food textures and liquid consistencies is crucial for maintaining nutrition, reducing risks, and promoting a dignified dining experience.

As Jody Marshall, Group Hospitality and Catering Manager at Meallmore, explains

"Here at Meallmore, we use the IDDSI framework to facilitate the safe consumption and enjoyment of food and drink by all our residents with eating and drinking difficulties. Using this framework, we protect the integrity of our residents with dignity and respect."

Innovating with Meallmore's Annual IDDSI Mealtime Competition

To keep our commitment to IDDSI standards fresh and inspiring, Meallmore recently hosted our annual IDDSI mealtime competition, showcasing the culinary talents of our chefs in IDDSI-aligned food preparation. This year, the competition was judged by none other than Andrew Cullum, known as "The IDDSI Guy", a respected authority in the field who brought his extensive expertise to the event. Andrew's insights helped our chefs push boundaries, creating dishes that not only meet IDDSI standards but also offer familiar and comforting flavours to residents.

The competition encouraged our chefs to use their skills creatively within the IDDSI framework, developing meals that residents with dysphagia can eat comfortably while enjoying the traditional flavours they love. Our finalists did just that.

Mark Shayne from Antonine House took first place with his salmon en croute main and raspberry cheesecake dessert, showcasing a perfect blend of flavour and IDDSI-modified texture. Second place was awarded to Daniel and Alan McGonigle from Kincaid House for their peppered pork steak main and salted caramel apple pie dessert. Third place went to Richard Bryan and James Goulee from Daviot, who impressed the judges with their cottage pie main and speciality rice pudding.

Emma Jane Henderson from Kynnaird Care Home earned a high commendation for her expertly crafted spiced paprika chicken main course and jam and coconut sponge dessert, while Robert Scott from Hilton Court was recognised for his braised beef main course and lemon treacle sponge dessert. These dishes highlight Meallmore's mission to offer residents meals that feel familiar, satisfying, and, most importantly, safe.

Commitment to Learning, Development, and Culinary Excellence

At Meallmore, we are dedicated to continuous improvement in our approach to resident care, which includes staying at the forefront of culinary innovation. Competitions like our mealtime event not only recognise the achievements of our chefs but also offer valuable learning and development opportunities. By collaborating with experts like Andrew Callum and staying up-to-date with the latest IDDSI guidelines, our chefs continually advance their texture-modified cooking skills, enhancing our residents' dining experience.

This commitment to learning is deeply embedded in Meallmore's culture, where our teams work tirelessly to find new and improved ways to bring comfort and joy to our residents through food. By continuously evolving our understanding and application of IDDSI, we uphold the dignity of every resident, ensuring they can safely enjoy familiar foods that align with their individual preferences and health needs.

Meallmore's IDDSI Framework: A Pillar of Personalised Care

Our implementation of IDDSI is more than a set of guidelines; it is a reflection of Meallmore's values. Each meal prepared with IDDSI standards represents our dedication to providing individualised care that respects each resident's unique needs and tastes. From main courses to desserts, every dish is thoughtfully crafted to ensure residents can savour traditional flavours while benefiting from the safety and comfort of texture-modified options.

Meallmore's culinary teams have a shared vision: to make mealtimes something residents can look forward to. By applying IDDSI and embracing creative solutions through competitions, learning opportunities, and collaborations, we continually enhance the quality of life for our residents, making every dining experience a moment of dignity and enjoyment.

FAQs

What is IDDSI, and how does it help people with swallowing difficulties?

• The IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative) framework provides global standards for food textures and drink thickness, helping individuals with swallowing difficulties or dysphagia eat and drink safely.

Why do care homes like Meallmore use the IDDSI framework?

• Care homes like Meallmore use IDDSI to ensure that residents with dysphagia can enjoy safe, personalised meals, reducing the risk of choking and aspiration and improving mealtime satisfaction.

How does Meallmore prepare meals for residents with dysphagia?

• Meallmore's chefs follow IDDSI guidelines to modify food textures and drink consistencies, providing dishes that meet each resident's dietary needs while keeping mealtimes enjoyable and familiar.

What types of foods can be made IDDSI-compliant for dysphagia care?

• Using the IDDSI framework, Meallmore's culinary team can modify various foods, including meats, vegetables, and desserts, to ensure safe consumption for those with swallowing issues.

How does Meallmore encourage safe and enjoyable dining for residents with dysphagia?

• Meallmore promotes safe dining through initiatives like the IDDSI-based mealtime competition, where chefs create innovative, texture-modified dishes that follow IDDSI standards, enhancing residents' safety and mealtime satisfaction.