In recent weeks we’ve heard much in the media, and through the Royal Commission hearings of issues around the quality of food being served in aged care homes.
Whilst some of the stories are harrowing about the neglectful way our most vulnerable are cared for, criticism is around lack of variety, blandness of food, failure to provide culturally appropriate meals and reliance on nutritional supplements, it’s no wonder our aged care workers struggle to get it right.
The Victorian Government is ‘upping the ante’’ by taking action to lift the standard of meals in the states’ 180 aged care centres and public hospitals.
Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos visited St Vincent’s Hospital recently to announce the Labor Government would deliver on its commitment to conduct a food audit of meals served in aged care facilities and hospitals.
The audit will focus on taste, nutritional value, local procurement and diverse foods for modern diets, so that patients and residents can consume the meals they know and love.
Health experts will be consulted throughout the process to ensure that healthy eating gets patients back on their feet and promotes nutrition that prevents chronic diseases, cancers and mental health conditions.
At the moment it’s one state committing to the food audit. How difficult would it be for ALL states and territories to adopt the idea?
