Aged care residents need more dairy and protein in their food: Monash University
A clinical trial involving more than 7,000 aged care residents from 60 Melbourne and regional aged care homes in Victoria has found a small increase in the amount of dairy and protein a resident receives could have considerable health benefits for older Australians.
The trial, by the University of Melbourne and Austin Health, found the risk of fractures reduced by 33% for aged care residents whose daily dairy and protein intake was increased from two to three and a half servings per day.
Monash University in Melbourne said if the dairy and protein intake was increased, it would save taxpayers an estimated $66 million a year.
The estimated $66 million a year saving would account for a drop in the need for ambulance transport, hospital admissions, rehabilitation and extra care requirements in aged care homes.
The saving would equate to $175 for every aged care resident each year, the analysis found.
Importantly, it would improve the health of older Australians living in residential care.