PROPERTY
KYN CARE HOMES :
The importance of a food-first approach
CONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF , NUTRIENT REQUIREMENTS INCREASE AS WE AGE , SO EATING NOURISHING MEALS BECOMES EVEN MORE IMPORTANT . ACCORDING TO THE LATEST SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE , OLDER INDIVIDUALS MAY BENEFIT FROM ADDITIONAL PROTEIN AND HIGHER LEVELS OF SELECT NUTRIENTS SUCH AS CALCIUM AND VITAMIN D . MEETING THOSE NEEDS CAN BE ESPECIALLY CHALLENGING IF WE CONSIDER THAT APPETITE TENDS TO DECREASE AS WE AGE .
KYN adopts a food-first approach , focusing on nutrient density to provide nourishing meals that may replenish nutrient stores . It ' s a more mindful approach designed to improve the wellbeing of residents living in their care .
KYN has worked with BANT-registered nutritionist , Eva Humphries , and top chef Tristan Welch to design nourishing menus at its home , KYN BICKLEY . The meals are designed to be revitalising and stimulating for older people in particular , with quality and nutrition at the heart . This includes prioritising nutrients over calories and focusing on well-balanced meals made from highquality fresh ingredients . Eva and Tristian share some of the top things they considered when designing the menu for KYN .
Key Ingredients
Protein plays a crucial role in maintaining muscle mass , a variable for frailty which becomes more pertinent as we age . Consequently , it ' s essential to incorporate high-quality protein sources including eggs , poultry , beans and pulses . Game meats like venison are great options in late autumn and winter thanks to their superior nutrient profiles and seasonal abundance . KYN prioritises it at every meal , even making it into desserts via clever ingredient choices .
Nostalgia Through Food
The menu is designed with nostalgia in mind , working with familiar favourites that may evoke happy memories and provide comfort . Traditional dishes such as shepherd ' s pie and fish and chips are elevated via cooking techniques and adjusted to include additional nutrients .
Dementia-Specific Diet
Dementia is a complex condition that requires extra attention and a much more carefully considered approach to food . In its early stages , those living with dementia may forget whether or not they have eaten , which can often lead to an over-reliance on snacks . KYN factored in an all-day dining menu to ensure nourishing meals are always available . In addition , snacks are balanced to contain nutrients , not just empty calories . This is especially pertinent since sugar cravings may contribute to the prevalence of snacking .
Nutritionist Eva Humphries comments : " I have been involved with the development of the menu from the very beginning , curating a bespoke offering using the latest scientific evidence that may better meet the nutritional needs of older individuals ."
Tristan Welch adds : " We worked on the menu for two years prior to the first KYN care home opening to ensure the food served is healthy , nostalgic and delicious ! The menu avoids ultra-processed foods where possible , replacing empty calories with nutrient-rich ones . As a Michelin-star chef , I value fresh and seasonal food and ensure that the menus change with the season ."
Having good conversation over good food is one of life ' s principle joys , and KYN welcomes residents ' friends and family to join them for meals , continuing many years of memories created around a shared table .
To arrange a visit to KYN BICKLEY or to enquire about availability , please visit www . kyn . co . uk / our-homes / bickley-london or call 020 4530 9700 .
205