“The idea of food being produced by a printer is virtually out of this world to many people and seeing it in action has produced a lot of interest and curiosity,” said Uniting Hotel Services Specialist Brendon Gakowski.

“From the feedback, the introduction of this technology across the aged care sector could be a game-changer when it comes to improving quality of life and nutrition. Everyone needs to enjoy their food.”

In a partnership with UTS (University of Technology Sydney), a pilot study will see if 3D printed food will improve the visual appeal, food intake, and therefore nutrition, for residents with swallowing difficulties who are eating only pureed food.

 
“Making pureed foods visually appealing to help stimulate appetite has always been a challenge,” UTS Project Lead, Professor Bronwyn Hemsley said.

According to Speech Pathology Australia, up to 22% of Australians over the age of 50 experience some form of swallowing difficulty and up to 84% of people with dementia have some degree of dysphagia. 

Residents and family members taking part in the trial are able to select the shape of the food they want printed, anything from star shapes to chicken drumsticks.  
 
The pilot study is taking place at The Marion, Leichhardt, and Aldersgate in nearby Lilyfield, in Sydney’s inner west.