NPA Blog

Planning is the key and should be undertaken before any infection is experienced.

Considerations include

• Potential staffing shortages in food service due to Covid 19 exposure or ill health
• Identification of effective communication channels regarding food supply in the home in times of change
• Maintenance of product continuity- may need to identify back up suppliers
• Identification of suppliers of additional food items, such as portion control packs, supplements, modified texture meals that may be required

During this time when aged care homes are isolating the residents from families and visitors, we know that they are more likely to feel lonely and puts them at a higher nutritional risk. 
We must ACT NOW and make food and nutrition a priority, or we are likely to see our most vulnerable have poorer health outcomes, with an increased incidence of wounds, falls, infections and even death.
Some things to do to ensure that the risk is being managed include:

NPA Hint no. 4

Many family members have been giving their time generously and often assist their loved one at mealtimes.  They may not be able to attend as often or even at all and as a result additional staff may need to be rostered on over the mealtime period.

During this time when aged care homes are isolating the residents from families and visitors, we know that they are more likely to feel lonely and puts them at a higher nutritional risk. 
We must ACT NOW and make food and nutrition a priority, or we are likely to see our most vulnerable have poorer health outcomes, with an increased incidence of wounds, falls, infections and even death.
Some things to do to ensure that the risk is being managed include:

NPA Hint no.3

Any resident who is identified as at risk of malnutrition needs closer monitoring.  Weigh these residents more often, even once per week. Refer to NPA for full (remote) assessment and nutrition care plan based on a food first approach.

During this time when aged care homes are isolating the residents from families and visitors, we know that they are more likely to feel lonely and puts them at a higher nutritional risk.

We must ACT NOW and make food and nutrition a priority, or we are likely to see our most vulnerable have poorer health outcomes, with an increased incidence of wounds, falls, infections and even death.

Some things to do to ensure that the risk is being managed include:

NPA Hint No. 2

Ensure that the resident's malnutrition risk is identified routinely by using a validated malnutrition screening and assessment tool.  This is not just about weight loss.  It is expected that the nutrition risk will be identified before there is weight loss.  It is much harder to increase weight than to prevent weight loss.

During this time when aged care homes are isolating the residents from families and visitors, we know that they are more likely to feel lonely and puts them at a higher nutritional risk. 
We must ACT NOW and make food and nutrition a priority, or we are likely to see our most vulnerable have poorer health outcomes, with an increased incidence of wounds, falls, infections and even death.

Nutrition Professionals Australia will be regularly releasing a new suggestions to help find the best strategy to maintin our residents health.

Some things to do to ensure that the risk is being managed include:

NPA Hint no. 1

Have the menu reviewed by an APD.  This may mean you need to do have it completed remotely but it will give you peace of mind that you are providing the residents with every opportunity to meet their nutrition needs.  Nutrition Professionals Australia are able complete the menu audit against the new standards.  This will provide valuable insight of where improvements are most needed.