Why it works
The smell, the carving and a meal in the garden with families make a real event for residents, without anyone leaving the home.
The cooking spot
The roaster cooks outdoors under cover, on level ground clear of ambulance and delivery access and away from windows that open and residents’ rooms.
Dietary needs and textures
Your team knows each resident’s needs. Ask for allergen information for every dish and share it. Roast pork can be carved thinly and served on plates with potatoes and apple sauce. Residents on texture-modified diets should have their portions prepared by the home’s own kitchen, following their care plan.
Families and staff
Include visitors and staff in your numbers. A hog roast day is a good chance for families to join in.
Timing
Fit the serving time around the home’s routine. In winter, lunchtime is best, because it’s dark by about 4pm.
Making it an event
A hog roast day works best with a bit of build-up: a poster in the lounge, a chat about it the day before, and families invited. On the day, residents who can manage it may enjoy sitting outside to watch the carving, while others can enjoy the smell drifting in and the meal at their usual table.
Reminiscence
Many older people have memories of village fêtes, harvest suppers and country shows. A hog roast can be a good prompt for conversation, alongside old photos or local history books, and activities teams sometimes plan around it.
Working with the kitchen
Talk to the home’s chef or kitchen lead early. They’ll know which residents need modified textures, which have allergies and which prefer smaller portions. Agree who prepares what, and when, so meals reach residents at the right time and temperature.
Staff thank-yous
Some homes use a hog roast to thank staff as well as treat residents. If so, plan serving times around shift changes so everyone gets a chance to eat.
Visiting relatives
If families are invited, tell them when food will be served and ask about their dietary needs too. It’s a good chance for relatives to eat with residents in a relaxed setting.
Choosing the date
Late spring and summer are popular for garden hog roast days, but a hog roast works in winter too if residents eat indoors. Avoid days with other big events in the home, and give families plenty of notice.
Infection control
Homes have their own infection control procedures. Tell the caterer what they need to do on arrival, such as signing in or hand hygiene, and where they can and can’t go.
Before you book
Send us the date, the number of residents, staff and visitors eating, the serving time and a photo of the garden or car park. Tell us about dietary needs and textures in general terms, and who in the home will be our contact. We’ll suggest a cooking spot and send a quote.
Quick answers
Can residents with swallowing difficulties have the hog roast?
Texture-modified meals should come from the home’s kitchen to each resident’s plan.
Where does the roaster go?
Outdoors, clear of emergency access and away from opening windows.
Planning an event? Tell us about it and we’ll check the date and send a quote.