The Maggie Beer Foundation, named after the famous Australian cook and restauranteur, has submitted a report to the Department of Health on food, nutrition and the dining experience in aged care.
The report, prepared with Deloitte, is the result of Australia’s first National Congress on Food, Nutrition and the Dining Experience in Aged Care.
It highlights 56 findings and 139 possible action points across nine key areas, many of which align with the recommendations identified in the Royal Commission’s report.
In determining opportunities and best practice, the working group identified several themes including:
- Food, nutrition and the dining experience is an urgent issue
- There is variability in the quality of meal experiences with some homes demonstrating initiatives to improve practices but many homes exhibiting poor practices
- There is a lack of transparency and accountability in the delivery of food, nutrition and the dining experience. Best practice screening and reporting on malnutrition, quality of life and food experiences will improve outcomes for residents and their families
- The workforce engaged in the planning, preparation and serving of food is in many instances, not adequately rewarded and lacking in the skills necessary to fulfill their roles to minimum standards. Elevation of the roles of chefs and the introduction of training programs are required to improve the quality of the workforce
“It provides a sense of purpose and anticipation. It is at the heart of quality of life, and it is an urgent issue,” Ms Beer said.
“The findings of the National Congress and its close alignment with the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Final Report is such a positive step forward.”
