Mealtimes play an important role in aged care. Food provides opportunities for social interaction and enjoyment for residents, which can be difficult to come by in aged care facilities. However, faced with staffing and cost pressures, many aged care homes neglect this area. This has a significant impact on the health and quality of life of residents. Therefore, improving the quality of food served in aged care, as recommended by the Aged Care Royal Commission, is crucial.

Thanks to The Conversation, the Department Of Health And Aged Care, and the ABC we explore the vital role food plays in aged care and how aged care facilities can improve their food practices.
Many aged care homes have always prepared meals in a certain way and are reluctant to change.

In the ABC TV series Maggie Beer’s Big Mission, Celebrity Chef Maggie Beer worked to improve the quality of food in aged care. She emphasised the need to make meals more flavoursome and visually appealing, with an increased focus on protein and nutrition. By eating well, residents can decrease their risk of malnutrition.

According to a study, 68% of aged care residents suffer from malnutrition.

Malnutrition can have serious health impacts including reduced energy and cognitive decline.

Eating well can also help aged care residents reduce their risk of cancer, obesity and chronic diseases and improve their immune system. Protein is essential for maintaining strength and reducing the risk of slips and falls.

However, it’s not just about the food itself. The practices surrounding food can also have a major impact on the way aged care residents live their lives.

Residents suffering from dementia often lose their autonomy. However, aged care homes are increasingly using food and mealtimes to enhance resident autonomy. The Montessori Method was first applied to dementia care in the 1990s and is being increasingly adopted by aged care facilities. It is based on the principle that “everything you do for me, you take away from me”. It uses the strengths of dementia patients to maintain their involvement in everyday life. Nursing homes are increasingly using it to redefine the capabilities of dementia patients, with food playing a significant role in its implementation.

For example, some nursing homes have extended their breakfast hours, providing residents with the flexibility to eat at their own pace. Others provide a buffet, allowing residents to serve their own meals. This allows residents to choose what and how much they want to eat. In some cases, nursing homes allow residents to help themselves to snacks and others allow residents to have second helpings if desired.

Under the Montessori method, residents are encouraged to perform tasks themselves where possible. For example, they may be tasked with setting the table and filling water jugs.
Applying the Montessori method to mealtimes can increase social interaction between residents, help to foster a sense of community among residents and provide residents increased agency in their lives.

However, aged care facilities are currently understaffed and facing severe financial pressure, meaning enhanced food quality and practices may be challenging to implement. Residents’ varied food preferences and the need to maintain appropriate texture are also barriers to improving food quality. However, the benefits of doing so are clear.

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