Harden Grange’s New Cooking Program Providing Memory Support Residents with Connection and Conversation

At Harden Grange, we love supporting all residents to keep doing things they’ve always enjoyed. Regularly, residents can be seen assisting the catering team, peeling and chopping vegetables for soups and casseroles, rolling and shaping biscuits, or making slides and cakes.

Harden Grange residents are embracing their new cooking program, enjoying the opportunity to connect with each other and contribute to their household.

Regularly, residents can be seen assisting Chef Doug and the catering team, peeling and chopping vegetables for soups and casseroles, rolling and shaping biscuits, or making slices and cakes.

Chef Doug and the team ensure the activities are adapted to the abilities of the participants and are carried out safely and hygienically, while residents connect with each other, share stories and reminisce about favourite recipes.

For resident, Corrine, being part of this group is an activity she really looks forward to. “I’ve always enjoyed cooking, and it’s lovely that I can continue this at Harden Grange. When I cook, it makes other people happy.”

Lifestyle Officer, Joanne, says the program is very popular and it provides noticeable benefits, particularly to residents living with memory support needs. “It gives participants a strong sense of purpose and provides the opportunity to re-connect with a familiar pastime. They really enjoy working together to produce delicious food that is valued by the whole community. The sounds and the smells coming from the kitchen when they’re busy are incredible!”

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