Recently the Aged Care Quality Standards were reviewed by the Australian Government and are now being updated following recommendations for the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
The Aged Care Quality Standards ensure that the care and services a provider delivers are:
- Safe
- High quality, and
- Meet the needs and preferences of the people under their care.
Australian Government-funded aged care providers must show they meet the quality standards.
What are the principles of the new strengthened standards?
- Upholding dignity, respect and freedom from discrimination while fostering resident autonomy, safety and quality of life (Standard 1)
- Cultivating an organisational culture focused on continuous quality improvement, stakeholder engagement and data-driven practices (Standard 2)
- Ensuring all care and services optimise independence, are tailored to individual goals/preferences, and coordinated for maximum effectiveness (Standard 3)
- Providing a clean, safe, accessible environment with well-maintained equipment and infection control (Standard 4)
- Delivering evidence-based, person-centred clinical care by qualified staff to meet evolving needs (Standard 5).
- Choice and personalised dining experiences are provided for residents in aged care homes. Covering menu planning, nutrition, dietary needs, and beyond, the new standards seek to move the industry away from a one-size-fits-all approach to meals and ensure dining is an enjoyable experience tailored to each resident’s preferences. To align with the strengthened Quality Standards, menus must include provisions for residents with specialised dietary needs and those who need support to eat (Standard 6).
- Residents are supported to maintain relationships and connections with their communities, confident in their continuity of care and security of accommodation (Standard 7).
How does The Pure Food Co support you in meeting your obligations
By implementing The Pure Food Co system, aged care providers demonstrate a process of continuous improvement in care, safety and risk management, and a commitment to enhancing residents’ quality of life and enjoyment.
The new standards emphasise person-centred, flexible dining that enhances residents’ quality of life through choice, socialisation, and catering to individual preferences—including for those with chewing or swallowing challenges who require a texture modified diet.
Catering to various flavours and dietary needs, The Pure Food Co system enables aged care providers to meet and exceed the Strengthened Standards, providing nutritious, delicious texture modified foods.
Here’s how:
- Pure Foods’ shaped, texture modified meals are of restaurant quality (following Standard 6.3.3) and offer a diverse selection to cater to different tastes and needs (Standard 6.3.1).
- All meals are fortified with extra energy and high-quality protein and comply with IDDSI Level 4 & 5 diets for those requiring texture modification for easier chewing and swallowing (Standards 6.2.1 & 6.1).
- With a wide range of flavour profiles and menu options, The Pure Food Co meals encourage eating, while ensuring proper texture and temperature (Standard 6.3.3).
- Pure Food stocks 56 individual breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack products Australia-wide, with a modular format allowing for eating little and often throughout the day (Standards 6.3.2 & 6.3.4).
- Care facilities that use the Pure Food system streamline processes and reduce food waste, increasing resources that can be redirected to further improve services (Standard 6.4.1).
- Pure Foods partners with aged care homes and hospitals nationwide, assisting with implementation, staff training (Standard 6.2), and menu planning to meet residents’ needs (Standard 6.3.1).
By adopting The Pure Food Co system, care providers comply with other parts of the new standards as well, including Standard 5.5.2, requiring the implementation of processes that support safe chewing and swallowing.
As Australia’s largest supplier of fortified meals, The Pure Food Co is the national specialist in delivering first-class meal experiences for those with eating challenges who require a texture modified diet.
For more information about the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, read our blog articles or visit the Australian Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission website.