There was a wonderful, comforting smell in the air at Lake View today as residents decided to bake fresh bread to enjoy with lunch. With beef stew on the menu, our ladies thought a warm loaf alongside it would be just the thing and it certainly was a popular idea.
We gathered the ingredients, washed our hands, and got to work mixing and kneading the dough together. The photos capture the process beautifully: one resident carefully weighing flour into a bowl, another mixing the ingredients, and a third getting hands-on with kneading the dough. One of our favourite moments is a smiling resident showing off her sticky dough hands before heading to wash up, proof that baking is meant to be enjoyed, not kept spotless!
As well as creating something delicious for the table, baking offers real wellbeing benefits. It encourages cognitive stimulation through following recipes, measuring and sequencing steps, and it supports sensory engagement with familiar sights, smells and textures. It can also boost self-esteem, as residents see (and taste) the results of their efforts, and it helps maintain a valued sense of independence by being actively involved in preparing food.
A simple activity, a shared purpose, and fresh bread for lunch — a lovely combination at Lake View.
