As people age, food safety becomes vital. Seniors in aged care rely on safe meals. This article covers reporting food-safety violations and key safety tips.
As people age, dietary needs become increasingly important for maintaining health and well-being. Many seniors rely on aged care facilities and assisted living services in Australia to provide them with nutritious and safe meals. However, concerns about food quality in aged care homes can sometimes arise. In this article, we will explore the importance of reporting alleged violations of food-safety regulations and provide valuable food safety tips for seniors.
Food Quality in Aged Care Facilities
For seniors living in aged care facilities, food is not just about sustenance; it’s a critical aspect of their overall health and happiness. Nutrient-rich meals are essential to support their unique dietary needs and maintain their well-being, with the following reasons.
Nutritional Needs
Our nutritional requirements change with age. Seniors need adequate nutrients to support bone health, boost immunity, and manage chronic conditions. Quality meals tailored to these needs can enhance their quality of life.
Health and Well-being
Proper nutrition is closely linked to physical and mental health. Well-balanced meals can help prevent malnutrition and reduce the risk of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cognitive decline.
Enjoyment and Dignity
Well-prepared, appetising meals can improve the dining experience and contribute to a sense of dignity for seniors. It can be good for aged care facility culinary staff to see a senior’s mood uplifted because the meal served to them was visually appealing and tasted well due to the exquisite preparation.
Hotline Launched for Reporting Food Safety in Aged Care
Despite the importance of food quality in aged care homes, concerns may arise regarding food safety and overall dining experiences, and warrants immediate reporting of potential issues.
In August 2023, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission activated a special hotline, numbered 1800 844 044, to address food safety and nutrition issues in aged care facilities. A Food, Nutrition, and Dining and Support Unit will oversee the hotline’s operations through a dedicated crew of food specialists and nutrition and dietetics practitioners. Aside from processing complaints lodged through the hotline, they will guide aged care providers with advice on food safety and conduct up to 720 spot checks a year to affirm compliance. The Maggie Beer Foundation is also on-board to provide training programmes to aged care culinary staff to help them improve the quality of food served to residents.
The Commission followed up on the hotline with a comprehensive complaints report in November 2023, which covered residential aged care and home care data from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023. The report noted that from the 5,077 complaints lodged against aged care facilities, 404 of them concerned food safety and quality. One case study in particular, was about an old man who shared his concerns about food variety and portion size with centre management, but later got castigated with a large sign in the food service area asking for bigger portions, sapping his dignity in the process. The Older Persons Advocacy Network and Commission officials acted on the complaint with the necessary changes.
If you or a loved one suspect or witness violations of food-safety regulations, it’s crucial to report them promptly, with the following points to drive home the need.
Ensuring Accountability
Reporting alleged violations holds aged care facilities accountable for providing safe and nutritious meals. It helps identify issues and encourages corrective actions.
Protecting Vulnerable Seniors
Many seniors in aged care facilities may not have the means to voice their concerns or advocate for themselves. Reporting helps protect these vulnerable individuals from potential harm.
Improving Standards
Collecting data on reported issues can help authorities identify trends and areas in need of improvement. This information can lead to better food-safety standards in aged care facilities.
Promoting Transparency
Reporting helps create transparency and accountability within the aged care industry. It ensures that facilities are transparent about their food-safety practices and that seniors and their families have access to accurate information.
Food Safety Tips for Seniors
While reporting issues is vital, it’s also essential for seniors and their families to be proactive in ensuring food safety. The following tips are valid for seniors living in both at home or an aged care facility.
Inspect Food Labels
Check expiration dates on packaged food and ensure that they are well within the recommended date for consumption.
Maintain Proper Storage
Store perishable food such as dairy, meat, and leftovers, in the refrigerator at or below 4°C (40°F).
Practise Safe Food Handling
Wash your hands thoroughly before handling food, and make sure that all kitchen surfaces and utensils are clean. Separating raw meat products separate from other food, such as being placed in another plate, may prevent cross-contamination.
Be Cautious with Leftovers
If you have leftovers, refrigerate them promptly and consume them within a few days. Reheat leftovers to a safe temperature, typically 75°C (165°F).
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can be a concern for seniors. Make sure to drink enough fluids, and consider foods with high water content, like fruits and vegetables.
Monitor Medication Interactions
Be aware of potential interactions between medications and certain food items, as some in either category may trigger incidents. The team at National Custom Compounding, in particular, notes that grapefruits adversely react to drugs that lower cholesterol in the sense they metabolise the medicine and possibly damage the liver too.
Stay Informed
Stay informed about food recalls and safety alerts issued by the federal government.
Conclusion
Even in an aged care setting, food quality and safety is still paramount. Reporting alleged violations of food-safety regulations is crucial for ensuring accountability and protecting vulnerable individuals. Additionally, following food safety tips can help seniors and their families proactively safeguard their health.
The A.S.A.G. Reverse Mortgage
In aged care and senior living, the A.S.A.G. Reverse Mortgage can be a valuable resource. An Aged Care loan allows residents to use their property to cover retirement home or community expenses, including the option to fund loved ones bringing in outside food, subject to Food Safety Information Council guidelines.
Contact the A.S.A.G. at 1300 002 724 or email info@asagfirst.com.au to discuss your aged care food finances.
DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute official advice. A.S.A.G. is not affiliated with any mentioned brands or companies.