Providers buy 83.5% of fresh food in its total food shop for residents in aged care
The Department of Health and Aged Care’s latest Quarterly Financial Snapshot shows that most food given to aged care residents is fresh.
The latest snapshot states residential aged care providers spent an average of 83.5% of the total food and ingredients costs on fresh food and ingredients, which is a 3.5% increase on the October to December quarter (80 per cent).
Fresh food and ingredients are defined by the GST classification found on itemised purchase receipts. All foods that are GST-free are classified as “fresh”, whereas “other” foods have GST applied.
The latest Quarterly Financial Snapshot showed all providers increased spending on food and ingredients. The third quarter median total cost of food and ingredients was $13.41 per resident per day, an increase of $0.24 on the previous three months.
The Department of Health and Aged Care’s Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) has set up a new Food, Nutrition and Dining Advisory Support Unit and hotline to help providers improve the delivery of higher quality and more nutritious meals to people in aged care.
The Food, Nutrition and Dining Hotline – 1800 844 044 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday – is for people receiving aged care, their representatives, approved providers, aged care staff, advocacy services, and other health and medical professionals.
All aged care providers are invited to take part in online learning modules, a food satisfaction questionnaire, State and Territory training hubs, a trainer mentor program, and professional community.
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.
