Australians now have a simple and efficient way to report food concerns in aged care, with the launch of a dedicated Food, Nutrition and Dining Unit hotline at the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
The hotline is active and callers will have access to experts in the areas of food, nutrition, and dining, including dietitians and speech pathologists.
A good meal with good nutrition is crucial to quality of life for everyone but especially older people.
The Food, Nutrition and Dining Hotline is also available to aged care providers to access food and nutrition advice, support and education to deliver improved food, nutrition and dining experiences for older people in their care.
Older people, their families and carers, providers and aged care workers can call the Food, Nutrition and Dining Hotline on 1800 844 044.
The hotline builds on the Albanese Government's grant to the Maggie Beer Foundation to build the capability of aged care chefs and cooks working in aged care.
The first free online training modules are now available: https://lms.maggiebeerfoundation.org.au/.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells:
"What older Australians consume and their dining experience has a significant impact on their overall wellbeing.
"Australians were shocked when the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety found that 68% of aged care residents were malnourished or at risk of malnourishment on the Coalition's watch.
"I can't be clear enough, food must be a priority in aged care.
"The Food, Nutrition and Dining Unit hotline is another important step in the Albanese Government's mission to make sure older people have access to nourishing food that improves their quality of life."
