Bromsgrove care home hosts special launch event for industry-first tea blends

A care home in Bromsgrove hosted a special event to celebrate the launch of an industry-first tea blend specifically formulated to taste significantly better when thickened, for residents on modified diets. 

Care UK’s Chandler Court, on Recreation Road, marked the launch of Care UK’s ‘Next Level Tea’, a revolutionary and industry-first tea range exclusively developed to enhance the tea-drinking experience of residents with dysphagia.

Dysphagia is the medical term given to difficulty swallowing, a common symptom for older people, especially those living with dementia, Parkinson’s and many other conditions. Those living with dysphagia are often required to adopt a modified diet incorporating thickened liquids, to lower the risk of aspirating when drinking fluids.

Adding thickening agents to liquids can often compromise the flavours, leading to those on modified diets drinking less and facing dehydration. Care UK’s Next Level Tea was exclusively developed in partnership with boutique tea company Tea From The Manor, to provide a tasty solution for residents. 

In celebration of the launch, Chandler Court hosted a special tea-tasting experience with tea themed food and a chance for residents, their relatives and the community to sample the four carefully crafted blends, which included green tea and mint, red berry, English breakfast, and Earl Grey.

With 21% of Care UK residents on a thickened diet due to dysphagia, the introduction of Next Level Tea is especially significant. The tea blends brew more quickly than regular teas, allowing a stronger flavour profile even when thickened, providing residents with a delicious, refreshing option that supports hydration without compromising on flavour.

In addition to the tasting session, Chandler Court’s talented chefs prepared a tasty afternoon tea. 

Ann Wills, a resident at Chandler Court, said: “The afternoon was very good, all very interesting and I enjoyed tasting and learning about the teas, very educational. 

My favourite tea was the fruit tea; I had not tried this before, but I will be having it again.”

Lilly Dahms, Home Manager at Chandler Court, said: "This Nutrition and Hydration Week, we’re thrilled to have been able to celebrate the launch of Care UK’s Next Level Tea. With a significant number of residents here requiring thickened drinks, it's important that we provide options that not only meet their dietary needs but also offer them something enjoyable. These tea blends are truly going to be a gamechanger!  

“The feedback from the residents has been so positive. The tea is a great addition to our offering, and we’re excited to see how it enhances the overall wellbeing and dining experience for residents and helps to keep them even healthier and more hydrated."

More information about Care UK’s Next Level Tea, which is being introduced in all 165 Care UK homes, can be found here: www.careuk.com/next-level-tea

Chandler Court is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable its residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema, café and hair salon, and there is plenty of space, both indoors and out, for relaxation and recreation.