G-QBYN9R5TXH
top of page

Desserts for a cause!

Malnutrition management is always a challenging process, especially in the elderly population. Loss of interest in food, changes in taste buds, along with health conditions may restrict how much older adults can eat. Here is where desserts, particularly dairy-based ones, come in handy to add more nutrients to the diet. Guaranteed food enjoyment!  


Desserts to flight malnutrition in aged care residents in australia

What is Malnutrition?

Malnutrition is the deficiency of nutrients.


Malnutrition occurs when:

  • You do not eat enough

  • You do not eat the right types of food

  • Or your body cannot absorb enough nutrients from food


Malnutrition can result in unplanned loss of weight and increased risk of illness, pressure injuries, infections, falls, and fractures. It also negatively affects survival.


People at risk of malnutrition

  • Older adults >65 years of age

  • People with poor appetite and oral intake

  • People with Demetia

  • People with Eating Disorders

  • People with medical conditions that increase their energy needs, such as cancer, HIV, or kidney failure

  • People living with overweight, or obesity can also have malnutrition if their diets lack vitamins and minerals.


Malnutrition in Aged Care

Malnutrition is a major public issue. 1 in every 2 older Australians living in aged care or home are either at risk of malnutrition or are malnourished. Malnutrition is often associated with health problems that decrease eating and appetite including dementia, chronic diseases, swallowing problems – all common conditions in older adults.  



HEHP desserts to flight malnutrition in aged care

High Energy High Protein Diet (HEHP)

Requirements of certain nutrients change with age. Older adults require an increased intake of protein, calcium, and vitamin D. This is often a challenge as they have low appetite limiting the amount of food consumed. Thus, making every bite count is essential to maximise their nutrient intake.  This is where HEHP diet can help. A High Energy High Protein diet is designed to deliver additional energy and nutrients.



Commonly used in residential aged care homes, this diet supports residents in:

  • Maintenance of muscle mass, supporting strength, mobility and general health

  • Maintenance of weight

  • Minimising the risk of malnutrition


High Energy

To improve health status and improve weight. Examples of high energy foods include Full Cream Dairy Products, Dairy based Desserts, Margarine And Butter, Avocado or Dips, Oil or Mayonnaise, Sugar or Chocolate


High Protein

To build, maintain, and repair cells. Examples of high protein foods include Meat, Chicken, Fish, Eggs, Milk, Dairy Products, Beans, legumes, Nuts, seeds, Tofu and tempeh.


HEHP Desserts

Desserts are often well enjoyed by older adults which make them a great opportunity for more nutrients. They make a great source of energy and protein. HEHP desserts are dairy based, hence their high protein and calcium content. They also have sugar and fats which increases their energy content.


They include:

  • Crème caramel

  • Custard

  • Vanilla or chocolate pudding

  • Vanilla Slice

  • Creamed rice

  • Panna Cotta (see Recipe)

  • Yoghurt

  • Mousse


Offering HEHP desserts is among the strategies to improve nutritional status, lower the risk of malnutrition, and minimize weight loss.


Tips to increase protein and energy intake in desserts

  • Add full cream milk powder when making desserts.

  • Add custard, ice cream, or yoghurt to all desserts, but in particular to Jelly, cake and fruit as these are not nutritionally adequate.

    • Cream is not a good choice as a source of protein compared to other dairy products such as yoghurt, ice-cream or custard.

  • Offer double desserts for residents with poor oral intake of mains.

  • Offer custard or yoghurt in between meals at morning tea, afternoon tea and supper.


HEHP Panna Cotta Recipe for Aged Care

Who can help the malnourished?

Dietitians can support people who are either at risk of malnutrition or are malnourished. They can offer personalised and easy-to-follow dietary advice to help them meet their nutritional needs and improve their health.


With Dietitians across Australia, OSCAR Care Group Dietitians work closely with residents, their family, and care staff to ensure safe, practical, and enjoyable food and fluids options to prevent or treat malnutrition. We also offer nutritional training to your staff to help and Aged Care Menu and recipe development and reviews.



 

Our Dietitians favourite desserts

We asked our Dietitians, what's their favourite dessert is. We love the variety of our team, but I think date pudding or something chocolately seems to be the overall fav.



  • Fresh cream vanilla cake with strawberry ice-cream topped with coconut flakes - Ashma, OSCAR Care Group Dietitian in Queensland

  • Grapes! – Cammy, OSCAR Care Group Dietitian in Victoria

  • A warm berry crumble, straight out of the oven, with a good scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. – Emily, OSCAR Care Group Dietitian in NSW

  • Plain chocolate, or just anything with chocolate on it. - Hannah E, OSCAR Care Group Dietitian in South Australia

  • Anything warm and chocolately'– Hannah S,  OSCAR Care Group Dietitian in Victoria

  • Sticky date pudding with butterscotch sauce and ice cream'. – Hilda , OSCAR Care Group Dietitian in Victoria

  • Warm sticky date pudding with vanilla ice-cream- Jamie, OSCAR Care Group Dietitian in Victoria

  • Warmed up triple chocolate brownies with vanilla bean ice-cream.– Kiarra, OSCAR Care Group Dietitian in Victoria

  • Pineapple Tarts! - Melanie, OSCAR Care Group Dietitian in NSW

  • Belgian waffles! - Moe, OSCAR Care Group Dietitian in South Australia

  • Carrot cake - Natascha, OSCAR Care Group Dietitian in Queensland

  • Matcha Pizza – Peter, OSCAR Care Group Dietitian in NSW

  • Chocolate Lava Cake - Sarah, OSCAR Care Group Dietitian, NSW

  • Apple crumble – Tania, OSCAR Care Group Dietitian in Victoria

  • Date pudding with caramel sauce – Verlencia, OSCAR Care Group Dietitian in South Australia


Comments


bottom of page