Caroline Lloyd, a Head Chef at Prince George House care home, went above and beyond the call of duty this Christmas by staying away from her family and moving into the home for three weeks to ensure she was free of Covid and able to cook Christmas lunch for the residents.
When one of Caroline’s family tested positive for Covid In mid-December, Caroline decided to isolate from her family and to stay at the care home for the entire festive period.
Caroline said: “When one of the people I live with tested positive, I knew I couldn’t risk coming into contact with them. Luckily, they hadn’t been home for a few days but were going to be in my house for Christmas. So, I decided to stay at Prince George House and not see my family at all to make absolutely sure that I wouldn’t catch the virus. Thankfully, my family were very understanding about the fact that I couldn’t spend Christmas with them.”
Her sacrifice was given extra weight when the home’s Second Chef tested positive just before Christmas and was unable to work. Knowing it would be virtually impossible to find a relief chef to provide back-up in the holiday season, Caroline found herself with a kitchen team down to two – herself and a Kitchen Assistant.
Together, the pair didn’t just prepare a three-course lunch for the 76 residents they also fulfilled their plan to also offer the same menu to every colleague on duty that day.
Caroline added: “I love my job. As a chef, I get great pleasure from knowing residents are eating well-balanced meals that they truly love. I’ve been here since 2014 and Prince George House is like one big loving family, I have great colleagues. I really enjoy being able to interact with the residents, finding out what they most like to eat. Seeing how much my home cooking means to them is very rewarding. Cooking in a care home has to be one of the most fulfilling roles any chef can undertake.”
James Clear, a chef and Care UK’s Head of Hospitality who acts as a culinary lead to all the chefs in its 152 homes, said: “Caroline’s story exemplifies what is amazing about our chefs – to them it’s not just a job, it’s a way of life and a passion. They all get such a buzz out of delivering meals that residents really look forward to, knowing that not only are they bringing joy, but their skills help to keep their diners healthy and hydrated.”
