REASSURANCES have today been made that residential homes in Suffolk offer good quality and choice when it comes to food for residents.

REASSURANCES have today been made that residential homes in Suffolk offer good quality and choice when it comes to food for residents.

Social care minister Ivan Lewis MP expressed concerns about residential homes for older people in the UK that skimp on food but Suffolk County Council has moved to reassure people that their homes offer good quality, good choice and pay attention to helping people eat easily and well.

Catering and care staff and managers in Suffolk have been trained on nutrition, healthier eating, therapeutic diets, risks of malnutrition and catering for people with dementia.

The meals in Suffolk's residential homes are freshly prepared and cooked on a daily basis.

Attention is given to the importance of food presentation and service. Dining areas are attractive with tables correctly laid out and staff are on hand to assist customers.

Councillor Graham Newman, responsible for Adult and Community Services, said: “The council is now committed to developing and expanding residential care for older people, looking for a partner to join us in investing in and developing our existing homes.

“One thing I promise you, is that the excellence we have achieved, recognised again and again by Government inspectors, not least in the crucial area of meals for residents, will be fully maintained.”