With the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards coming into effect, now is the time for residential aged care providers to review their food and nutrition policies and invest in workforce training.
Among the critical updates for enhanced quality and safety in aged care, ‘Standard 6: Food and Nutrition’ holds particular significance. This standard reinforces the expectation that aged care homes provide nutritious, high-quality meals that meet residents’ needs, preferences and cultural considerations.
To ensure compliance, providers must implement appropriate training for staff, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to support optimal nutrition and hydration for residents.
This will ensure you are not only meeting the new standards but also enhancing the health, wellbeing and dining experience of residents.
Investing in training today will pave the way for a healthier and more personcentred aged care system in the future.
Why Standard 6 matters
Standard 6 focuses on the right of residents to receive nutritious meals that promote health and wellbeing, and providers must demonstrate a commitment to delivering quality meals that align with dietary guidelines and individual resident needs.
Not just about compliance, Standard 6 is about fostering a culture where food is recognised as a cornerstone of quality care. While it is clear meals should be balanced, nourishing and mindful of allergens, there will be a greater focus on a person-centred approach.
Meals should be personalised according to people’s preferences and dietary needs, there should be a sufficient variety of food offered, and culturally appropriate food should be incorporated.
Resident engagement will be critical and having trained staff to support this will help.
The key elements of training
Achieving compliance with Standard 6 requires providers to go beyond menu planning; it demands a welltrained workforce that understands the importance of nutrition, food safety and resident preferences.
Key training initiatives should include the following elements.
- Nutrition and meal planning. Staff should be trained to recognise the nutritional needs of older adults, including how to provide meals that are energy-dense, protein-rich and hydrating. Training should also focus on adapting meals for those with swallowing difficulties or other therapeutic dietary requirements.
- Safe food handling and allergen management. Understanding food safety protocols is essential for preventing foodborne illnesses. Staff must be educated on proper food handling, storage and allergen management to ensure meals are safe and suitable for all residents.
- Resident-centred meal service. Providing meals that reflect individual preferences and cultural backgrounds enhances the dining experience. Training should focus on resident centred meal service approaches, encouraging engagement with residents to understand their likes and dislikes.
- Hydration and supplementation. Dehydration is a common risk in aged care. Staff should be trained to monitor fluid intake and offer alternative food and fluids to increase resident hydration. Examples include offering fortified drinks, supplements, watermelon, soups, yoghurts, custards, jellies or icy poles.
- A positive dining environment. A well-presented and pleasant dining experience can enhance meal enjoyment and encourage an improved intake. Training should include strategies for creating a welcoming and supportive dining environment that fosters social engagement.
The benefits of training
While implementing comprehensive training requires an investment of time and resources, the long-term benefits are substantial.
Providers that prioritise training in Standard 6 will see a range of benefits for residents, staff and your business. Higher levels of resident engagement and reduced risk of malnutrition and dehydration will positively impact overall resident health and wellbeing – as well as satisfaction.
Appropriately trained staff will feel a greater level of confidence, as they feel better equipped to provide more tailored nutritional care, which can lead to a better connection with residents and the workplace, and improved staff retention.
Overall, the effort to maximise compliance with Standard 6 is likely to translate to better feedback, higher star ratings and an enhanced reputation for your business.
At Food Solutions, we understand the critical role nutrition plays in aged care, and our expert team of accredited dietitians and speech pathologists looks forward to helping providers achieve compliance and excellence in aged care nutrition.
Food Solutions
foodsolutions.com.au