There are no fully vegetarian care homes in the UK that we’re aware of, though our 2014 survey found that around a quarter of care homes have vegetarian or vegan residents. We have recruited over 850 care homes and retirement homes in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to our UK List. These homes follow our Code of Good Practice in providing good vegetarian catering (and vegan, in some cases). We also send them regular recipe ideas. You can find your nearest veggie-friendly care home by searching the UK list.
Back to the topOne of our services is operating one-day catering courses in conjunction with guest kitchens throughout the UK. The courses include practical demonstrations and the opportunity to taste the foods prepared. They can take place on the premises of a host organisation, anywhere in the UK, or at a choice of guest kitchens throughout the UK. Delegates learn more about vegetarians and vegans, relevant nutrition, and how to adapt recipes easily. You can find out more here. We also have a free guide, Catering for Older Vegetarians and Vegans, which can be downloaded here, together with a number of other useful publications. These include a nutrition booklet with detailed guidance on protein requirements, where to get essential vitamins and more. And finally, if you follow our Code of Good Practice by providing good vegetarian/vegan catering, we can offer free membership of our UK List. There are many benefits of being a member, including free marketing for homes and regular new recipes for residents to enjoy.
Back to the topWe administer a charitable fund called The Vegetarian and Vegan Fund.
To be eligible for a grant you must be:
And, to be eligible for a grant you must also be:
Grants are normally made to assist ‘independent living’. For example: to provide ramps, grab handles, minor kitchen/bathroom adaptations, stair lifts, a mobility scooter or perhaps respite care (a short stay in a care home for a person being cared for at home, to provide a break for the carer).
The maximum amount awarded is normally £3,000, but this may vary if the grant would benefit more than one eligible person. Alternatively it may be extended, at the Trustees’ discretion, if there are other extenuating circumstances.
To apply for a grant, please download the application form. Alternatively call us to request a form to be mailed to you.
Back to the topThere is some scientific research to prove that certain ingredients enhance the flavour and enjoyment of food. And you can also use a number of techniques to arouse hunger. They include using extracts (e.g. maple, almond or vanilla) to amplify flavour; using strongly flavoured foods and ingredients; using sugar and fat; and experimenting with different shapes, colours, sizes and textures to add interest throughout a meal. We've summarised these findings in our guide Nutrition for Older Vegetarians and Vegans.
Back to the topTry the following tips, depending on personal tastes.
The main sources of protein for vegetarians and vegans are:
The majority of people need 8% of their calories from protein at most, according to leading health bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO). The good news is that most foods can provide us with this 8%. The foods that are exceptions to this include fruits (which contain about 5% of their energy from protein) and many sweets and junk foods. The WHO’s value includes a large safety margin, so most people’s real needs are even lower. In practice, if you eat a variety of pulses, any grains and grain-products that can be tolerated, and eggs and dairy products (for vegetarians) – and you are neither gaining nor losing weight – then protein needn't be a particular concern. Aim to eat two or three servings of these foods each day. A serving is around half a cup of cooked pulses.
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