St Vincent's Care Services Kew aged care chefs David Martin and Harry Shen were recently awarded medals and commendations at the 2024 International Culinaire Salon in London, the Weekly SOURCE reported last Thursday.
According to My Aged Care's Dollars to Care data, St Vincent's Care Services Kew spent an average of $67.23 per resident per day on food in the December 2023 quarter, 82% above the median expenditure of $36.89 per resident per day.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Aged Care told The Weekly SOURCE about 3.5% of all aged care homes (92 homes) spend more than St Vincent's Care Services Kew.
The top 10% of aged care homes in terms of spending on food, about 260 homes, spent more than $52 per resident per day.
Food spending data published on My Aged Care includes the costs of ingredients, catering staff, contractors, kitchen utensils, kitchen supplies, and the cost of planning and preparing meals.
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety cited research showing some providers were spending as little as $6 per bed per day on food. The Morrison Government responded with a $10 Basic Daily Fee Supplement (which became the Hotelling Supplement) which was intended to improve nutrition in aged care.
The Albanese Government's Dollars to Care data on My Aged Care provides greater transparency on how much providers are spending on food.
