A group of residents at a nursing home in Mariagerfjord Municipality in north Jutland have experienced a heap of benefits after the management decided to prepare their meals in-house.

DR reports that the smell of roasting potatoes and searing meat has led to a number of benefits – including stronger appetites, healthier BMIs and more energy to take part in activities.

Hakkebøf with a side of potatoes
Hanne Virkmann, a district leader at Mariagerfjord Municipality, has no doubt why these changes have led to a positive outcome.

“The delicious aroma of food has returned to the care centre. Residents can see what happens in the kitchens and they can help decide what we eat,” she said.

“If the weather is good, we can choose to go on a picnic or fire up the barbecue – like in any other family.”

The percentage of residents with a healthy BMI has reportedly increased from 70 to 80 percent since the changes were implemented.