The Albanese Government is ensuring older Australians have tasty and nutritious food in aged care thanks to a free training program for aged care cooks and chefs.
A $5 million investment in the Maggie Beer Foundation is delivering the free Improving Food in Aged Care through Education and Training program.
All aged care providers are invited to participate, encouraging a whole of sector uplift in food and nutrition.
Program opportunities include:
- Online learning modules
- Food Satisfaction Questionnaire
- State and Territory Training Hubs
- Trainer Mentor Program
- Professional Community.
The program was launched today at Eldercare Seaford.
Participation in the three-year program will also help residential aged care homes meet the draft dedicated food and nutrition Aged Care Quality Standard currently being piloted.
Visit the Maggie Beer Foundation website to find out more or register your interest.
These activities are complemented by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission’s newly launched food, nutrition and dining advisory support unit and hotline.
The support unit is helping providers improve the quality, variety, and nutrition of meals to people in aged care.
The hotline will give callers access to experts in the areas of food, nutrition and dining, including dietitians and speech pathologists. You can call the hotline on 1800 844 044 with questions, concerns or complaints about food, nutrition or dining in aged care.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells:
“Food, nutrition and the dining experience have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life and that’s why we have partnered with The Maggie Beer Foundation to deliver this training.
“This is part of our approach to help providers and workers upskill and be better educated so they can prepare and serve more delicious and nutritious food to the older people in their care.
“The free Improving Food in Aged Care through Education and Training program is an important step forward in ensuring all older people in residential aged care have access to nourishing food that they enjoy and improves their wellbeing.”
Quotes Attributable to Minister for Social Services and Member for Kingston, Amanda Rishworth:
“It’s fantastic we can officially launch this program in my local electorate of Kingston. Eldercare’s Seaford facility has served my local electorate since 2008.
“Good nutrition is a key ingredient in all our lives and older people in Aged Care shouldn’t miss out on quality food. I’m proud to be part of a Government that immediately took action in this area and now residents at Seaford and other aged care facilities right across the country will benefit from our investment.”
Quote attributable to Maggie Beer:
“Food is nutrition not just for the body, but also for the soul. It’s what fires our appetite for life.
“The Maggie Beer Foundation is thrilled to partner with the Department of Health and Aged Care to provide opportunities for every chef and cook working in residential aged care to improve food, nutrition, and dining experiences for older people.”
