The aged care sector in Australia is undergoing significant transformation, with a growing emphasis on quality dining experiences for residents. The new Aged Care Quality Standards place a strong focus on ensuring meals are not just nutritious but also enjoyable, culturally appropriate, and reflective of individual preferences. With these changes, providers are being challenged to reassess their dining services in order to not only remain compliant, but to also continue delivering high quality care.

Understanding the New Dining Standards

The updated regulations stress the importance of:

• Person-Centred Dining: Meals should be tailored to residents’ tastes, cultural backgrounds, and dietary needs.
• Dignity & Independence: Residents should have the opportunity to make choices about their food, including where and how they eat.
• Nutrition & Hydration: Ensuring meals are nutritionally balanced and meet specific dietary requirements.
• Social & Emotional Wellbeing: The dining experience should foster social engagement and a sense of community.

Failure to comply with these standards could lead to non-compliance notices, reputational damage, and even financial penalties.

Signs Your Aged Care Dining Service May Be at Risk

If your facility exhibits any of the following, it’s time for a reassessment:

• Limited Menu Variety – Are residents given a diverse selection of meals that cater to their preferences and dietary needs?
• Lack of Resident Involvement – Are residents actively engaged in menu planning and feedback sessions?
• Inadequate Staff Training – Do your hospitality and care teams understand the importance of person-centred dining?
• Poor Dining Environment – Are mealtimes rushed, or is the setting uninviting and impersonal?
• Insufficient Staffing – Do you have enough skilled hospitality and domestic staff to ensure a positive dining experience?

How Crewe Sharp Can Help

There are a number of resources available to help providers close gaps in their current offering, for example through Ageing Australia or the Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission.

From a staffing perspective, at Crewe Sharp, we understand the critical role that hospitality and domestic services play in aged care. We provide highly trained chefs, kitchen staff, food service assistants, and hospitality personnel to help aged care providers meet and exceed new dining standards.

With our expertise, you can:

✔ Improve meal quality and presentation
✔ Enhance the overall dining experience
✔ Ensure compliance with new aged care standards
✔ Relieve staffing pressures with reliable and skilled professionals

Partner with Crewe Sharp today to elevate your dining services and ensure your residents enjoy the quality they deserve.

Get in touch with us today to discuss your aged care hospitality needs by phoning 1300 328 004!