Menu Planning and the Mealtime Experience: Meeting the Strengthened Aged Care Standards

With the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards coming into effect from 1 July 2025, now is the time for residential aged care and home care providers to reassess how they deliver meals and mealtime experiences. In recognition of the important role food and nutrition plays in health and quality of life, the strengthened standards include a whole standard devoted to good nutrition. Standard 6: Food and Nutrition focuses on providing high-quality, nutritious, and person-centred meals that reflect residents’ preferences, supporting their health and wellbeing.

In aged care, food goes beyond meeting nutritional needs - it plays a central role in fostering wellbeing and connection. When mealtimes are poorly planned or the dining experience is overlooked, this can lead to malnutrition, isolation, and a decline in overall quality of life. In contrast, meals that are thoughtfully prepared and served in a supportive environment can stimulate appetite, improve health outcomes, and bring people together in meaningful ways.

Delivering Quality Through Menu Planning
Effective menu planning starts with understanding the unique nutritional needs of older adults. This includes meeting key dietary requirements such as protein, calcium, and fibre, while accommodating health conditions, dietary restrictions, and personal preferences.

Best practice involves:

• Incorporating all core food groups into the daily menu
• Meeting minimum nutrient levels
• Using standardised recipes to ensure consistent quality, texture, and portion sizes

From 1 July 2025, aged care homes will be required to engage an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) to conduct an annual menu and mealtime assessment, ensuing food services are regularly reviewed, while remaining compliant and resident centred.

Creating a Positive Mealtime Experience
Mealtimes are a valuable opportunity to support independence and foster social connection. Factors such as the dining environment, timing, presentation, and choice all influence how food is received and enjoyed.
A positive mealtime experience is supported by a calm and welcoming atmosphere, meals are served at suitable times, and food is warm, visually appealing, and aligned with each resident’s preferences. Offering variety and encouraging interaction at the table can further boost engagement and satisfaction – making small enhancements in these areas can significantly impact appetite, mood, and overall wellbeing.

Expand Your Knowledge
To support aged care providers in strengthening their food services, Nutrition Professionals Australia (NPA) offers a comprehensive online training module: Menu Planning and the Mealtime Experience.
This practical course explores:

• Menu planning and nutrition: How to meet aged care nutrition guidelines and minimum standards.
• Meal quality and presentation: Ensuring meals are texturally appropriate, flavoursome, and visually appealing.
• Efficiency and compliance: Managing ingredient ordering, reducing waste, and documenting menus to meet audit requirements.
• Enhancing the dining experience: Creating mealtimes that support choice, comfort, and connection.

With extensive experience across aged and home care settings, NPA’s Accredited Practising Dietitian's provide tailored, cost-effective solutions that are practical, resident-focused, and aligned with the upcoming Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards.

If you would like to learn more, contact our team at NPA today via [email protected].