Strengthened Aged Care Standards: What They Mean For Food & Nutrition

The Strengthened Aged Care Standards, effective from 1 July this year, introduce significant changes to food and nutrition management in aged care. These updates emphasise person-centred care, resident choice, and an improved dining experience, ensuring older Australians receive high-quality nutrition that supports their overall well-being. Our team of Accredited Practising Dietitian's (APDs) have outlined the key impacts of these changes to help residential and home care providers prepare.

Mandatory Involvement of Accredited Practising Dietitian's (APDs)

One of the most notable changes is the requirement for an APD to be involved in the menu planning process. This ensures that meals meet nutritional guidelines and cater to the specific dietary needs of residents. APDs assist care providers in considering age-related physiological changes, medical conditions, and personal preferences, while also ensuring meal plans remain nutritionally adequate.

Additionally, an APD must conduct an on-site menu and mealtime assessment at least annually to evaluate:

• The nutritional adequacy of the menu
• The presentation, variety and cultural appropriateness of meals
• The mealtime environment and overall dining experience
• Resident satisfaction and feedback

These assessments help providers identify areas for improvement, ensuring they continually refine their food services to enhance resident health outcomes and mealtime enjoyment.

Person-Centred Care and Choice

A fundamental principle of the strengthened standards is person-centred care, which promotes resident choice and autonomy in all aspects of their care, including food and nutrition. Older adults in both residential and home care settings should be empowered to make decisions about the food they eat and how meals are served. Providers must accommodate dietary preferences, allergies, cultural and religious considerations, as well as self-serve options, meal times, and meal delivery methods.

These changes mark a shift that moves aged care away from a one-size-fits-all model to a more tailored, responsive food service, ensuring meals are nutritious and enjoyable.

More Than Just Food On A Plate

While Standard 6 specifically addresses food and nutrition, the strengthened standards extend beyond just the meal itself. They include processes, policies, and environments that shape the provision of aged care food services. Key considerations include:

• Creating a welcoming dining environment that promotes social interaction and dignity
• Ensuring safe and hygienic meal preparation and service
• Providing staff with adequate training on nutrition, hydration and mealtime assistance
• Implementing policies that prioritise nutrition as part of holistic care
• Regular auditing and review of food systems to ensure compliance with the standards

By addressing these factors, providers can ensure that food services contribute not only to physical health but also to social and emotional well-being.

Are Your Systems & Documents Ready? 

Compliance with the strengthened standards requires providers to have clear systems and documentation in place. This includes:

• Policies on nutrition and food service management
• Resident dietary preference and needs assessments
• Documentation of APD-led menu reviews and mealtime assessments
• Regular audits and feedback mechanisms to enhance food services

A Holistic Approach To Aged Care Nutrition

Each standard in the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards contributes to individualised care. By aligning practices with the Older People Statement, Worker Statement and Expected Outcomes, aged care providers can ensure older people receive the right food at the right time.

Conclusion

The strengthened standards present an opportunity to enhance food service quality, improve resident satisfaction, and ensure compliance with best practices. By embracing these changes, aged care providers across Australia can contribute to a healthier, more dignified, and fulfilling aged care experience for all residents. 

If you would like to learn more about how the new standards will impact your food services, contact our team at NPA today via [email protected]