Cooking in a care home is no small feat; our chefs are top of their game always.
But that didn’t stop a 96-year-old resident from rolling up her sleeves and getting behind the stove to mentor our head chef, Paulo, on how to cook foods from her Sri Lankan heritage.
Keep reading to find out more:
Cooking in a Care Home: Meet Malika
At Macc Care, we believe that everyone has a story to tell – and that those stories should continue to be celebrated, no matter our age. At Blossomfield Rose, one of our residents is doing exactly that, stepping into a brand new role and bringing a taste of her heritage to life in the most inspiring way.
At 96 years old, Malika has taken on the role of ‘culinary mentor’ within our home, working alongside our talented Head Chef, Paulo Crespo, to share the rich flavours and traditions of her Sri Lankan roots. It’s a role that not only celebrates her incredible life experience, but also highlights what person-centred care truly looks like in action.
Malika joined the home in 2025, and it quickly became clear that food played an important part in her life. Having grown up in Colombo, she has a deep connection to the dishes, ingredients and cooking methods that shaped her early years. Keen to keep that connection alive, she expressed a wish to bring the flavours of her homeland into the home – and we were delighted to help make that happen.
Since then, Malika has been working closely with Paulo in the kitchen, sharing generations-old recipes and techniques. From fragrant curries to the use of traditional spices, she has been guiding him through the intricacies of Sri Lankan cooking. She has even introduced him to jaggery, an unrefined cane sugar that plays a central role in many dishes.
What it Means to Malika
For Malika, the experience has been both joyful and rewarding. As she puts it, she never expected to find herself teaching a head chef how to cook, but it has been a wonderful opportunity to share her knowledge and spend time doing something she truly loves. Moments like these are what make our homes so special – where passions are not only remembered, but actively lived.
The impact of this collaboration has already been felt throughout Blossomfield Rose. Residents have embraced the new dishes with enthusiasm, enjoying the opportunity to try something different while learning more about Malika’s culture. Food has a unique way of bringing people together, and this initiative has created new conversations, shared experiences and a deeper sense of community within the home.
Supporting Wellbeing
Supporting wellbeing goes far beyond physical care; it’s about recognising each individual’s history, talents and passions, and finding ways to nurture them. For Malika, stepping into the role of culinary mentor has provided a renewed sense of purpose, confidence and pride. It’s a reminder that age should never be a barrier to trying something new or sharing what matters most to you.
Blossomfield Rose is home to 80 residents, each with their own unique story, and we’re committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. Whether it’s through food, music, art or conversation, we encourage our residents to continue expressing themselves and contributing to the life of the home.
Malika’s story is a wonderful example of what can happen when we take the time to listen and support our residents’ wishes. By embracing her passion, we’ve not only enriched her own experience, but also brought something truly special to the wider community at Blossomfield Rose.
If you’d like to find out more about our homes and services, please contact a member of our team.
Alternatively, why not read our previous blog to find out about our Dementia Barbers visit?
