Reporting Up

Standard 8, Aged Care Quality Standards refers to the accountability of the organisations governing body, which could be a Board, Executive or Proprietor.

When a menu audit is completed, is this shared with the governing body or left with the Manager to deal with? What is the process of communication in your organisation?

When considering food and nutrition, we often refer to a Food and Nutrition Policy which reflects the philosophy of the organisation towards the food and service to the residents. When conducting a menu audit, NPA always asks for a copy of a Food and Nutrition Policy.

However, to be a useful and relevant policy it needs to be owned and developed by the whole organisation, residents, managers and staff. Very often we find these policies are documents that have not been well communicated nor enacted.

What does your Food and Nutrition Policy look like? When and who last reviewed it? Does it include a contemporary approach to nutrition care? Did a Dietitian provide any input?

If you would like any assistance with developing a Food and Nutrition Policy or any procedures, don't hesitate to contact me.