The Federal Government has announced a food unit will be established within the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, including a ‘hotline’ where consumers can make complaints about food services and get advice from specialists.
The support unit will also coordinate up to 720 provider spot checks annually, with dieticians to accompany the spot check staff for homes deemed the highest risk.
The unit will provide education about food to providers, including about how to promote nutrition and food enjoyment for people living with dementia.
Dieticians will also assess 500 meals and menus and develop new dietary guidelines for both residential aged care and home care providers.
The new unit will be funded with $12.9 million from the Federal Government.
“Older people have a right to enjoy quality food and will now have a simple way to report inadequate food,” said Aged Care Minister Anika Wells.
“This $12.9 million investment will increase the capability and accountability of aged care providers to deliver good food and nutrition.”
Food has been an ongoing issue in residential aged care, with the Royal Commission citing research that aged care providers were spending only $6 per resident for day on food.
In response, the Government introduced a $10 per day Basic Daily Fee supplement, which was extended in the last Federal Budget.
In April last year (before the Federal Election), Anthony Albanese promised $5 million to the Maggie Beer Foundation to improve nutrition in aged care.
