Developing Aged Care Menus in Line with the Newly Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards

The newly Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, particularly Standard 6: Food & Nutrition, highlight the critical need for nutritious, enjoyable, and personalised meals for older Australians residing in aged care homes. Nutrition Professionals Australia (NPA) has the experience and expertise to assist aged care homes in creating menus that not only meet these standards but also significantly enhance the overall dining experience for residents.

1. Collaborative Menu Design with Older People
   Central to the new standards is the involvement of older people in the menu design process. NPA values residents' input, recognising that their preferences and cultural backgrounds are crucial for creating enjoyable menus. NPA’s team of Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) collaborates with residents, considering their nutritional and cultural needs as well as dietary preferences, to develop menus that are both enjoyable and compliant with the new standards. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of community and respect, ensuring residents feel valued and heard.
   
   
2.  Input from Chefs/Cooks and Accredited Practising Dietitians
   Creating menus that cater to the diverse dietary needs of older people requires a team effort. NPA’s APDs work closely with chefs, cooks, and catering staff in each care home to develop well-balanced menus. While chefs and cooks bring their culinary skills and creativity, APDs ensure that the menus meet all nutritional requirements, including specialised dietary needs like texture-modified foods. This interdisciplinary approach guarantees that each meal served is both delicious and nutritious.
   
   
3.  Regular Menu Changes and Variety
   To prevent menu fatigue and enhance the dining experience, variety is essential. NPA collaborates with aged care homes’ chefs, cooks, and catering staff to create seasonal menus using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, while ensuring a balanced intake of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. By offering a wide range of options for all meals and snacks, aged care homes can ensure that residents enjoy a varied diet and have the freedom to choose what they want to eat and drink.
    

4.  Meeting Nutritional Needs
   Ensuring that older people meet their nutritional needs is a top priority for NPA. Their team of dietitians, will craft meticulous menus that include a balanced mix of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Special attention is given to residents with specific dietary requirements, such as diabetes, heart disease, food intolerances, allergies, and those requiring texture-modified diets. By enlisting an NPA APD, care homes are provided the guidance and advice to ensure  that every resident’s meal is nutritious, visually appealing, and flavoursome. This holistic approach to nutrition helps maintain the health and vitality of residents.

With extensive experience and expertise, NPA works with aged care homes across Australia to confidently meet and exceed the new standards, offering both in-person and remote menu development services. For remote services, aged care homes can conveniently submit their menus online for review and direct feedback from NPA’s experienced APDs. This process includes a detailed conversation with an NPA APD to ensure the menu meets all standards and addresses residents' specific needs. This remote service provides easy access to expert advice, enabling facilities to continuously improve their food and nutrition services.

Contact the team at Nutrition Professionals Australia today for assistance in developing your menu.