Ashford care home team member secures prestigious award

An Ashford care home is celebrating after one of its team members won a national accolade. 

Anna Sudak, Head Chef at Care UK’s Montfort Manor, on Kennington Road, scooped up The Creative Nutrition Award at the Dementia Care Awards.

The Dementia Care Awards aim to reward and recognise those who have demonstrated excellence within their field of work. 

As the Head Chef at Montfort Manor catering for residents living with dysphagia, Anna was applauded for improving the dining experience for residents who require Level 4 and above modified diets. Her approach ensures that residents are presented with the same meal choices as everyone else, with their meals prepared to resemble the unmodified versions.

Anna said: “Now that everyone can eat together making choices from the same menus, no one feels left out.”

Anna also understands the importance of hydration, and has gone above and beyond to introduce a variety of hydration options at Montfort Manor. She has made water and mineral-rich jellies readily available and created cucumber water for a resident who missed having salads.

Anna’s passion and knowledge of creative nutrition in dementia care impressed the panel with judges praising her holistic approach and ensuring satisfaction among residents. 

Nothing is too big a challenge, and as a relative commented, “The presentation of modified food is excellent and Anna has also made sure that for any special events that she caters for, for example Chinese New Year, my mother is able to have this food modified.”

Anna’s creativity stretches across main meals but also snacks. Modified treats are available from the home’s café, including for one resident who enjoys modified Jaffa cakes using pureed sponge, chocolate and orange mousse and thickened orange juice.

No request is too much – for example, a resident whose favourite meal is lobster thermidor enjoys it on a regular basis – and special occasions are always marked, not just with a cake but also with parties for residents and their families.

Anna’s dedication also extends beyond Montfort Manor. As a Chef Mentor at Care UK, she plays a pivotal role in the induction of Head Chefs across the South East region, sharing her expertise and passion for creative and inclusive nutrition.

Joanne Eaton, Home Manager at Montfort Manor, said: “I’m thrilled to see Anna’s hard work being rewarded – she thoroughly deserves to be recognised. Her dedication to creative nutrition shines through and her inclusive approach and commitment to wellbeing truly brightens the residents’ days. Well done, Anna.”

Montfort Manor is a purpose-built care home which has been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The home provides full-time residential, nursing and specialist dementia care for older people in Ashford, as well as short-term respite care, and incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities, including its own cinema, hairdressing salon and café.