specialty focus
Dining revolution
New food unit and dietitians for Australian nursing homes .
By Elise Hartevelt
Australia ’ s aged care sector is set for a ‘ dining revolution ’ as a new food unit and a team of dietitians are poised to launch by the end of June .
Backed by a $ 12.9m allocation from the federal budget , the move aims to enhance the quality of food and nutrition in residential aged care .
The food unit will conduct up to 720 yearly checks and focus on ‘ at-risk homes ’ to ensure residents receive nutritious meals .
They will also triage a ‘ food hotline ’ for complaints and advice , and deliver support for providers through education programs .
Additionally , a team of independent dietitians will conduct over 500 meal and menu assessments in aged care facilities each year .
Dietitians Australia ’ s Advocacy and Policy General Manager Natalie Stapleton called the move ‘ a genuine commitment ’ to meeting the nutritional needs of older people in aged care . “ It ’ s exciting ,” Ms Stapleton said . “ We ’ re hopeful that this will transform food and nutrition in aged care .”
Ms Stapleton welcomed the revised aged care quality standards draft earlier this year and will require a dietitian to review food quality and menus .
According to Standard 6 , providers should ensure that older people enjoy ‘ appetising , flavoursome and nutritious foods and drinks ’ with plenty of variation and choice .
It recommended that menus and meals be developed together with chefs , cooks and an accredited practising dietitian , particularly for people with special dietary needs .
Although research shows that dietitians can lift nutrition standards in aged care , there ’ s currently no requirement for them to be involved in the sector , Ms Stapleton said .
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Providing nutrition to older people is incredibly complex .
“ It ’ s been one of the biggest challenges for us ,” she said .
“ But we really need to see more dietitians engaged across the sector .”
Dietitians will check the nutritional needs of residents and consider their unique needs and special dietary requirements . The menu assessment focuses on the food itself and creating a positive dining experience , as it is essential for encouraging residents to enjoy their meals .
“ Nutrition plays a vital role in the overall wellbeing of older Australians ,”
Ms Stapleton said .
“ The goal is to overcome the complex challenges associated with transforming nutrition in aged care by empowering the sector to offer nutritious and enjoyable food experiences .”
She said that while some homes excelled in delivering a diverse range of nourishing
22 agedcareinsite . com . au