Access to nutritious food is a fundamental human right. The strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards (Quality Standards) give focus to food and nutrition because it’s essential for older people’s health, wellbeing and quality of life. For older people, a nutritious menu includes foods that provide enough protein, calcium and other important nutrients to meet their nutritional needs. By using a variety of quality ingredients and offering choice in their menus, residential care providers can support the rights of older people and meet their dietary needs and preferences.
A focus on protein and calcium
Strengthened Quality Standard 6: (Food and nutrition) highlights how important it is to understand each person’s nutritional needs (Outcome 6.2). This includes focusing on food and drinks that are high in energy and rich in protein and calcium.
Dietitians can do thorough nutritional assessments and recommend ways to meet older people’s nutritional needs and support their dietary preferences. For example, a dietitian might recommend a high protein, high energy diet for an older person.
Focus on protein and calcium
Everyday menus for older people should include foods that are rich in calcium for bone health and protein to maintain health, strength and independence. There are many sources of protein and calcium that are ‘staples’ of a nutritious and varied menu (modified for texture needs where required). These include:
- meat or meat alternatives, like tofu and tempeh
- eggs
- dairy foods, including milk and fortified milk alternatives, cheese, yoghurt and custard
- nuts and seeds
- beans and legumes, such as chickpeas, baked beans and lentils.
Choice and variety are standard requirements
In line with Standard 6, providers also need to make sure that their menu offers variety and choice. They should partner with older people to make sure they are supported to get the nutrients they need and provide the foods they prefer so they enjoy their meals and the dining experience.
Food should look, smell and taste good. Eggs, yoghurt and juice at breakfast, lunch and dinners that offer varied protein and seasonal vegetables, and fresh fruit, baked goods and desserts prepared with care, can make meals more enjoyable and satisfying.
An everyday menu
An everyday menu for older people should include:
- meals selected in partnership with older people
- different meal options that older people can choose from
- adequate calcium and protein provided through varied and acceptable sources, including meat and dairy alternatives, baked beans, eggs and yoghurt
- nourishing snacks and drinks that people can have whenever they want
- food and drink that meets people’s clinical needs and dietary requirements
These are not special features. They are the foundations of safe, quality, person-centred care.
If providers don’t offer nutritious food and drink, or if they charge extra for them, they risk not meeting their obligations. They’ll be risking the health, wellbeing and trust of the older people they care for.
The Aged Care Act 2024, Aged Care Rules 2025 and strengthened Quality Standards include a focus on food and nutrition. Providers need to understand where their obligations end and optional extras begin.
Resources
- Strengthened Quality Standard 6: Food and nutrition
- Supporting choice about food and drink in aged care
- Residential Care Service List and higher everyday living fee – Guidance for providers
- Plate expectations: Getting food quality and variety right
- More than a meal: how thoughtful menus transform residential mealtimes
- Be proactive with protein
