What is a mealtime quality assessment?

Written By Emma Rippon

Under the strengthened Quality Standards, specifically Standard 6 Food and Nutrition, homes must have their menu ‘reviewed at least annually through a menu and mealtime assessment by an Accredited Practising Dietitian’. To help you better understand what’s involved, we’ve put together some information on the purpose, process and outcomes.

The purpose of a mealtime quality assessment is not just to meet compliance with Standard 6 Food and Nutrition. The holistic benefits include;

  • Optimising resident satisfaction with food provided, which plays an important role in maintaining quality of life and supporting health outcomes.

  • Ensuring the meals are tasty, nutritious and tailored to the unique needs of older Australians, to help reduce the risk of malnutrition, unplanned weight loss, dehydration, pressure injuries, falls, constipation, and other acute clinical episodes.  

  • Cost savings using a food-first approach to malnutrition, instead of a reliance on commercial supplements.

  • A workforce that is more educated, supported and skilled to meet the unique nutritional needs of residents.

  • A meal service that supports the needs and preferences of residents.

A mealtime quality assessment includes an on-site visit by your Eat Well Nutrition Service dietitian to your residential aged care home. During the visit the dietitian will;

  • interview relevant staff and some,

  • undertake observations of the meal service and dining experience,

  • weigh meal components to assess for nutritional adequacy,

  • assess meals for taste, quality and presentation;  

  • and review of documentation relevant to food and nutrition care.

On completion of the assessment, providers will receive a written report with expert feedback on;

  • the nutritional value and overall quality of the meals offered throughout the day, including texture modified diets

  • the mealtime experience, aiming for best practice that provides an dining environment that encourages eating

  • key recommendations and a corrective action plan, to use in continuous improvement plans specific to Standard 6 – Food and Nutrition.

Please contact us at Eat Well Nutrition Service if you would like more information.

Emma Rippon