Spending on food for older people living in residential aged care has continued to increase with three quarters of aged care providers spending more than $10 a day on food per resident in aged care homes.
Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) CEO Tom Symondson said the second Food and Nutrition Report 2021-22 released yesterday by the Department of Health and Aged Care shows a growing number of aged care providers are using creative and innovative practices to enhance residents’ experience with food in aged care.
“Good quality food and nutrition are vital to the health and wellbeing of older Australians. It is also essential for their daily enjoyment of life, as noted by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety,” Mr Symondson said.
“The importance of food quality in aged care has been further recognised with the introduction of a dedicated food and nutrition standard as part of the proposed new Aged Care Quality Indicators for age care which are currently being reviewed with sector consultation.
“This second Food and Nutrition Report shows that the majority of residential aged care providers are doing the right thing by providing nutritious food for their residents.
“Innovations noted by the report include a greater use of kitchen gardens in aged care homes and a greater use of digital technology to support meal choice and on measuring mealtime experiences.
“Too often food in aged care gets a bad rap – unfairly so. Food and nutrition is a complex area for older people in residential care who will have different needs based on their health, personal preferences, and cultural background.
“We look forward to assessing the data contained in this report in more detail and looking at learning where further improvements can be made.”
