Love What You Eat – The Importance of Residents’ Choice
- OSCAR Care Group
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
In aged care, food is so much more than fuel. A favourite meal can spark a smile, a memory or even a warm sense of home.
Everyone has that one food (or more!) they just can’t live without. For some, it’s a morning cuppa tea with a couple of biscuits. For others, it might be a hearty roast dinner with vegetables.
In aged care, each resident brings their own favourites to the table. Whether it is comfort foods from meals their mother used to cook for them as a child, or simply dishes that just make them smile. Residents having choice helps them feel more at home. It is actually one of the main drivers for residents polishing off their plate at mealtimes! A menu that celebrates variety, can turn the dining room into a place of connection, laughter, happy memories and most importantly, full stomachs!
Why is it Important in Aged Care?
When residents are served meals they enjoy, a Dietitian’s dream happens. Plates come back empty, appetites improve, and there are big smiles on all residents’ faces. There are also great benefits for the homes that can come from residents loving what they eat.
Reduces Malnutrition
Did you know 40%+ of aged care residents are malnourished? Offering food residents love can play an important role in reducing malnutrition. If a meal is appealing and familiar, residents are more likely to finish their plates. The more they eat, the less likely they are to lose weight or lose muscle mass and strength.
Reduces Food Wastage
When plates are finished, this leaves far less to be scraped into the bin. In aged care, on average, approx. 3.5 kg food is wasted per resident each week. That’s like serving up an extra meal a day only for it to end up in the bin. Imagine the difference if those kilos were enjoyed, not discarded! Find out more about how to reduce food waste here.
Reduces Supplement Usage
When residents are offered meals they love and eating all their plates clean, this reduces the need for supplement usage. When a resident is eating all their meals, they are more likely to eat enough to meet their energy and protein goals and maintain their weight in the healthy weight range. A choice on the plate today keeps the supplement away!
Feedback – The Secret Ingredient to serving food Residents love
Why is feedback important?
Receiving feedback on menus, is like uncovering a secret ingredient to a recipe on creating enjoyable mealtimes. When information is shared on foods that residents love (and what they don’t!), the menu becomes more varied, exciting and suited to everyone’s tastes.
How can I get feedback?
Feedback can be as simple as asking residents what they love! Surveys, focus groups and feedback forms give the residents the chance to have their say. Even a casual chat at the dining table regularly is a great idea! Dietitians can also mix in their expertise to turn ideas into meals inspired by the residents’ creative minds. When residents see their suggestions on the plate, mealtimes become something to look forward to. When residents speak, the menu listens!
Unique Feedback Ideas
Variety of Meals – Hold a monthly banquet / buffet so residents can try a range of dishes and let you know what their favourites were and least favourites. The favourites can get added to the menu rotation!
Meals with Memories – Ask residents to tell you their favourite recipes or some of them may have them written down from home and incorporate this into the menu rotation.
Texture Modified Diets – Some residents may undergo texture modification as they age due to changes in their swallowing. Education on IDDSI and texture modification can mean you can adapt some typical regular menu items to be texture friendly!
One Menu Doesn’t Fit all. Dietitian Guided, Resident Approved!
No two residents have the same favourite foods – and that’s a good thing! Dietitians can help residents’ meals to be personalised to match the foods they love, while still keeping their nutrition on track. Dietitians don’t just tick the nutrition boxes, they review menus, taste dishes and provide feedback, listen to resident feedback, chat with the chefs and many more tasks to help personalise residents’ meals. Dietitians aim for everyone to receive nourishing, nutritious meals without compromising on taste.
Behind Every Great Meal, is a Great Team of Dietitians
Having a team of Dietitians in aged care makes for experts in residents’ choice behind the scenes. Dietitians brings their own strengths – whether its balancing nutrition, adding variety, or tailoring meals to residents’ tastes. Together, they make sure every plate is both nourishing and enjoyable. Collaboration keeps the menus fresh, exciting and different!
Everyone has their own unique ideas to bring to the table (literally!). Dietitians can also support nursing staff, sharing tips of presentation and help improving the dining experience as a whole. With a team approach, residents can enjoy consistent, well-planned meals every day. When residents love what they eat, they feel valued, independent and at home.
Dietitian Key Tips
Personalise the Plate – Work with Dietitians to add little twists to favourites or create tailored meals. Whether it’s a double serve of mashed potato or some fresh fruit to go with their afternoon tea yoghurt, even the smallest of tweaks can make familiar dishes feel special.
Play with Presentation – Fun garnishes and colour contrasting foods, like colourful veggies can make meals look as good as they taste.
Mix up the Menu – Rotate dishes and flavours regularly to keep meals exciting. Most of us do not want the same thing every day for the rest of our lives.
Meals in aged care don’t have to be routine – they can be fun, personal and delicious!
When residents choose the meals they love, nutrition and enjoyment go hand in hand. Everyone deserves to love what’s on their plate.
Reach out to an OSCAR Care Group Accredited Practising Dietitian for more support!
