Australia confronts $9 billion malnutrition crisis in aged care
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The Australian government is ramping up efforts to address the longstanding issue of malnutrition in aged care facilities, a problem estimated to cost $9 billion annually.
The push comes in the wake of findings from the 2021 Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, which highlighted widespread nutritional deficiencies in the sector.
In response, the government has established a dedicated Food, Nutrition and Dining Unit Hotline, allowing residents, families, and care providers to voice concerns and seek advice.
The unit, composed of expert dietitians and speech pathologists, has already conducted 720 targeted assessments of residential services to ensure the provision of tasty, nutritious meals and an enjoyable dining experience.
Older people accessing aged care, their families and carers, providers and workers can call the Food, Nutrition and Dining Hotline on 1800 844 044.
Simultaneously, celebrity chef Maggie Beer is bringing public attention to the issue through her ABC TV series, “Maggie Beer’s Big Mission.” Beer, who testified at the royal commission, stated that meals in aged care homes “were too often prepared with little regard to presentation, aroma or nutrition.”
Recent research from Monash and Griffith universities underscores the urgency of the situation. Dr Jonathan Foo, a lead researcher, warns that “malnutrition continues to be an ongoing challenge in aged care, suggesting that current models for identifying and managing malnutrition aren’t working.”
The study recommends implementing regular, efficient screening processes to identify at-risk residents. Dr Foo’s team is working on automated screening and support pathways, emphasising the need for solutions that don’t further burden an already overwhelmed sector.
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
