At Carey Care, we believe everyone should look forward to their meals. For residents who need a Level 5 (Minced & Moist) diet, we make sure that safe doesn’t mean boring.

Our goal is simple: serve meals that look like real food, taste delicious, and are easy to swallow.

What is a Level 5 meal?

 A Level 5 diet is designed for residents with Dysphagia (swallowing difficulties). The food is finely minced and soft enough that it doesn’t need chewing. Whilst it must be a specific consistency to be safe, it shouldn’t look like a plain scoop of mash.

Making Food Look Like Food

In many care homes, soft diets are served as indistinguishable scoops. This can make it hard for residents to tell what they are eating, which often leads to a loss of appetite.

We do things differently – our kitchen team uses special techniques and moulds to reshape the food. If a resident is having chicken and carrots, it will look like chicken and carrots on their plate.

Why This Matters

• Better Appetite: When you can recognise your food, you’re more likely to want to eat it
• Respect: Serving a meal that looks appetising shows respect for the person eating it
• Social Connection: It’s easier to enjoy a meal with friends when your plate looks just as good as theirs
• Health: When residents enjoy their food, they eat more and stay hydrated, which is vital for their health and wellbeing

Real Flavour, Fresh Ingredients

Good presentation is important, but taste is everything. Our chefs use fresh, local ingredients and appropriate seasoning. We make sure that every bite is packed with flavour, not just the right texture.

Our Commitment

In Carey Care homes, we pay attention to the small details. Seeing our residents enjoy their lunch and empty plates at the end is the best proof that our approach works for them.