“Nutrition Matters” News

Our annual appointment with Leading Nutrition Professional Development Day was held in June 2017. As always, it has been a great opportunity for all the national team to get together and keep up to date on a range of aged care nutrition topics.
All Leading Nutrition dietitian are Accredited Practicing Dietitians (APDs). They are committed to undertake ongoing training and continuing professional development programs to ensure that they remain an expert and credible source of nutrition information. Read more »

For many residents the food provided by an aged care home is their only source of food and drink. This means nutritional status is entirely determined by whether the aged care home is providing sufficient quantities of suitable, appealing, texture appropriate food within their menu.

When assessing a menu there are numerous criteria and factors we look at, in general we provide recommendations with the aims of curating a great aged care menu. The below are the main things we look at. Read more »

By promoting independence at meal times, it is likely that residents will feel more in control of what they are eating and how much. A resident may not manage all of their meal independently, but even just a portion or one course can help with the staff monitoring at meal times.

There are a number of different aids that can by used to promote independence at meal times and help a resident eat more comfortably.

Built-Up Cutlery
This is particularly helpful for a resident who may have arthritis or poor dexterity. Read more »

Providing foods and fluids for residents receiving palliative care can be a contentious issue. Some residents are at the end stage while others may have many months or years of palliative treatment. Many questions exist, such as: do we continue with supplements? Do we continue offering three-course meals at set times when appetite is low? Throughout the process of palliative care it is of great importance to work as a team with a resident and their family to ensure that the treatment received is in line with their wishes. Read more »

It’s important to ensure aged care meals are packed full of nutrients, especially protein and energy. Try these tips for nourishing foods.
Cooked breakfast
Residents benefit most when protein intake is spread evenly throughout the day. Offering a cooked breakfast provides a valuable opportunity for residents to consume much-needed protein from eggs, baked beans, bacon and sausages early in the day when appetite is often best. Residents look forward to a hot breakfast as a change from the typical continental breakfast. Read more »