When looking for a care or nursing home for yourself or for other people with food allergies, there are questions you are going to need to ask, here is a list of something you may consider asking and some things to think of.
- What it the homes policy of resident’s family and friends bring the allergen into the home?
- Staff washing hands policy when caring and entering room.
- Will meals be cooked separately? e.g., when cheese is cooked it becomes airborne and contaminate food.
- What is the cross-contamination policy?
- Where will the adrenaline auto-injectors be kept?
- Will the staff wear fresh disposable apron upon entering room?
- Are the staff and kitchen trained in allergens, symptoms, and treatment?
- Does the establishment provide 14 allergens information? They have a responsibility like any other catering business to do so. Food Information for Consumers Regulation (EU/FIR1169/2011)
- Does kitchen staff know about hidden allergens? E.g., curry sauces – milk
- Can you see the record of reaction once filled out?
- Do they encourage yours or your family input?
- If the person may lack the capacity to understand information or make choices, then the staff must comply with the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
- Can you have food in your room?
- Can you make your own drinks?
- What is the complaints procedure, if required? Is the manager accessible?
- Be aware that meal replacement drinks can have milk in the ingredients.
Allergen guidance for institutional caterers Food Standards Agency
https://www.food.gov.uk/print/pdf/node/169
SAFER FOOD BETTER BUSINESS FOR RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES SUPPLEMENT Food Standards Agency
Public Sector Catering
https://www.publicsectorcatering.co.uk/
SAFE METHOD: FOOD ALLERGIES Food Standards Agency
Food Information for Consumers Regulation (EU/FIR1169/2011) European Commission
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A32011R1169
Mental Capacity Act 2005 Gov UK
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/9/contents
Regulations for service providers and managers Care Quality Commission
The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 Gov UK
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2014/9780111117613/contents
Care Quality Commission
A Safeguarding Toolkit QCS
The Care Advice Line
https://www.thecareadviceline.org/
Age UK
Age NI
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/northern-ireland/
Age Wales
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/cymru/
Age Scotland
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/scotland/
Care Sourcer
https://www.caresourcer.com/aboutus/
Care Inspectorate Wales
https://careinspectorate.wales/
Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman
These lists are guidance only, and not fully extensive, people are advised that it is the responsibility of the individual when using this information.
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