Nutrition in Aged Care

Its timely that we focus on the ever-important nutritional needs of our older Australian customers. With the recent findings and recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety; the importance of good nutrition is highlighted for our aged care residents and seniors at home. 

The alarming statistic of 68% of those receiving aged care being malnourished or at risk of malnutrition; coupled with the food spend highlighted in the report, which can be as little as $6.08 per resident per day in residential aged care facilities; highlights the need for real change. It is no surprise that a key recommendation for immediate change is to increase the basic daily fee by $10 per resident per day. 

It’s important to understand that this basic daily fee goes towards the provision of not only meals but other items like cleaning, laundry, and facility management. It would be great to see a significant part of this recommended increase going toward meal provision for our aged care residents.  

Receiving the right amount and quality of food, helps to maintain good health for our aged care residents. The dining experience is also socially enjoyable, contributing to overall health and mental wellbeing. Not consuming enough of the foods required each day, can mean that their needs for essential vitamins, minerals, fibre and macro nutrients like energy (kilojoules or calories) and protein are not met. 

This places our aged care residents at risk of malnutrition. Protein is a key nutrient that is essential in the daily diet. Many parts of our body are protein based including our brain cells, muscle, skin and nails. Protein needs to be eaten daily to help cells grow and repair and to maintain muscle mass and strength. Good sources of protein include lean meats, chicken, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts and legumes. 

Fibre too is equally important as it helps with bowel regularity and can help with treating constipation. Getting older as well as a number of lifestyle factors like a change in routine and not eating enough fibre can all contribute to constipation. Increasing how much fibre is consumed, as well as drinking more fluids and regular exercise can all help towards maintaining good bowel health. Good sources of fibre include wholegrain cereals, fruits, vegetables and legumes. 

To maintain a healthy weight, enough energy (kilojoules or calories) for an individual’s requirements needs to be consumed and this is based on age and activity levels. Energy comes from all the various foods and drinks consumed every day. Not consuming enough energy can cause weight to decrease4.  

It can be challenging meeting varying food preferences, dietary and cultural needs; both in residential facilities and in the home. SPC have recently welcomed the Good Meal Co into their family. The Good Meal Co manufacture a range of tasty ready made meals that can be used to provide extra choice in aged care facilities as well as being able to be ordered into the home. 

These nourishing meals provide energy, protein and key micronutrients needed for good health. There is an extensive range of traditional home style meals, culturally specific meals, snacks, desserts and breakfasts. The SPC ProVital fruit range is also available into the home through the Good Meal Co within the fruit snack category. A great choice currently available is the SPC ProVital Fibre Right plus Protein Apple Puree. This convenient snack packs a punch, providing an extra 668kJ of energy, 10.3g Protein and 7.0g Fibre. For a full list of the tasty Good Meal Co meal range as well as the SPC ProVital range, head to: GoodMeal.com