A chef has been recognised for transforming care home dining with creativity, care and a touch of fine dining.
Ruaan Prins, chef manager at Heathlands Residential Care Home in Pershore, won the Care Home Worker Award at the Worcestershire Health and Social Care Awards.
The awards celebrate excellence across the county’s care sector and are organised by Newsquest, publishers of the Worcester News, in association with West Midlands Hospital and Stourside Hospital.
Mr Prins was honoured for his outstanding contribution to care, with judges praising the way he goes above and beyond the kitchen.
He has spent three years working closely with residents and care teams to understand their preferences, routines, and life stories, using this insight to create personalised and meaningful dining experiences.
One of his standout ideas has been the introduction of regular fine dining evenings, inspired by residents’ fond memories of eating out at restaurants.
The home is transformed into an elegant dining venue for the evening, complete with dressed tables, waiter service, and a drinks reception.
Mr Prins said: “I am incredibly honoured and grateful to have won this award.
“It means so much to me.
“Working at Heathlands reminds me every day that care is about people first – our residents, their stories, preferences, and experiences – not just the food we serve.
“A huge thank you to my amazing colleagues and everyone who has supported me along the way.
“I am so proud to do what I do and proud to be part of Sanctuary Care.”
These dining evenings have become a highlight for residents and their families, capturing the atmosphere and enjoyment of eating out.
He has since expanded the idea to include family carers and members of the community, offering a dementia-friendly environment where guests can enjoy high-quality food and social connection.
His work has already been recognised within Sanctuary Care, where he was named Best Performing Chef across the organisation’s Worcestershire homes.
He went on to win Sanctuary Care’s national MasterChef competition, open to chefs from its 109 care homes across England and Scotland.
Outside his day-to-day role, Mr Prins regularly gives his time to run cookery sessions with residents, helping them continue lifelong hobbies and interests.
Activities have included bread making, pasta workshops, and helping one resident fulfil a wish to become “chef for the day” and cook for fellow residents.
