DIETETICS

Wellness & Lifestyles Australia understands that nutrition and dietary intervention play a significant role in improving residents’ health and outcomes!

• Studies show that 1 in 2 residents in aged care facilities are at risk of malnutrition; many of these are only recognised once severe weight loss is identified
• Many facilities have an over-reliance on supplement use – they are often prescribed as the “easy first option” for residents who may experience minor weight loss when cheaper and more effective alternatives may be available
• For residents who have two servings of supplements per day the average cost is approximately $1,800 per year!
• Facilities that have a dietician visiting regularly often experience a reduction in supplement use of between 50%-75%

THIS EQUATES TO A SAVING OF APPROX. $1000 FOR EVERY RESIDENT RECEIVING SUPPLEMENTS!

• Research shows that for every $1 spent on nutritional support up to $5 can be saved on associated health care costs!
• The costs of malnutrition:
  • Increased risk of pressure sore development
  • Reduced immune function
  • Increased risk of falls and fractures
  • Increased costs of management and care
  • Reduced mobility and ability to perform activities of daily living
  • Reduced quality of life
  • Increased morbidity and mortality
• Often the most cost effective solution (and enjoyable for the residents!) is a high energy/high protein diet, together with a ‘small and often’ meal plan.
• Provide energy dense meals, nourishing snacks, and high calorie drinks by fortification using the following tips!

Food fortification tips

Breakfast

• Add 1 cup of milk powder into 1 litre of full cream milk and use on cereals and in drinks
• Add cream to porridge
• Melt cheese and spread margarine/butter liberally on toast
• Offer high protein options such as eggs or baked beans

Soups

• Offer hearty soups with added meat, beans and lentils
• Add extra cream, sour cream or melted cheese on soups
• Fried croutons can be added

Mains

• Add extra butter/margarine to vegetables and cream or cheese to mashed potatoes
  Use cream/cheese sauces whenever appropriate
• Encourage residents to choose high protein choices such as meats, fish, chicken, egg and beans
• Use high calorie cooking methods (Eg; adding extra oil)

Desserts

• Go with high calorie puddings
• Add extra cream, chocolate and sauces
• Full cream custards, yoghurts and ice-cream are popular

Residents’ quality of life can improve, and money can be saved, by adopting a simple policy involving:

1. Early identification
2. Effective communication
3. Provision of energy dense meals, nourishing snacks and high calorie drinks
4. Monitor, assist and encourage

A dietician experienced in aged care can:

• Conduct individual resident assessments
• Provide menu planning and recommend policy development
• Offer advice on training and nutritional screening
• Provide in-service sessions to staff on numerous topics such as feeding residents with advanced dementia, meeting hydration requirements, nutrition, wound healing and diabetes management

One of our Accredited Practicing Dieticians can perform a thorough menu assessment, carry out individual consultations, and educate all levels of staff in your facility regarding a variety of nutrition topics and to enable you to form your own nutritional support team.