Govt takes action to improve food standards

The Albanese government is increasing its commitment to improve food, nutrition and the dining experience in residential aged care by establishing a food unit in the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

The $12.9 million funding, part of a historic $36 billion aged care budget, will deliver a range of meaningful measures to enhance the quality of food for older people.

A new food ‘hotline’ for food complaints and advice will be established and staffed by specialists.

“Older people have a right to enjoy quality food and will now have a simple way to report inadequate food,” said Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells.

The support unit will also help providers build capability by linking them with support and education programs, including those delivered by accredited practising dietitians.

The support unit will:

• triage food hotline calls based on the nature and level of risk to older people
• coordinate up to 720 provider spot checks annually, with 10% of spot checks of the highest-risk services to have accompanying dietitians
• support providers to build capability by linking them with education programs
• engage Dementia Australia experts to promote nutrition and food enjoyment for people with dementia.
   

To further enhance the capability of providers, up to 500 menu and mealtime assessments will be conducted by independent practising dietitians to increase providers’ knowledge and capability to deliver nutritionally balanced menus.

Dietitians Australia President Tara Diversi welcomed the changes and said, “The only way to guarantee nutritious food is being eaten in aged care is to engage dietitians and the [new] steps will enable more of us to reach and support nutrition management at the homes where it is needed most.”

New dietary guidelines and resources for older people will also be developed. These guidelines will support good nutritional intake and reduce malnutrition risk.

“The menu and mealtime quality assessment projects will allow dietitians to offer practical and effective solutions for food service within residential aged care homes, to ensure the food cooked and served meets the dietary and nutritional requirements of residents,” Diversi said.

Older people receiving in-home care, and in-home care providers delivering food services, will benefit from these guidelines and other resources.

“Better nutrition in aged care is a health investment that ultimately reduces the risk of malnutrition, dehydration, falls, pressure injuries, wounds and hospitalisations for residents in care.

“Dietitians are looking forward to working with the Minister and this government towards a future where Australians in residential aged care are nourished, served food appropriate to their food preferences, swallowing and dexterity needs, and ultimately find joy at every mealtime,” Diversi said.

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