Standard 6: Food and Nutrition
At Finley Regional Care, we are committed to providing safe, high-quality, person-centred care. As part of Australia’s new Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, a dedicated Standard 6: Food and Nutrition has been introduced to highlight the important role that food, hydration, and dining experiences play in the health and wellbeing of older people.
What does Standard 6 mean?
Standard 6 recognises that food is much more than nutrition. Meals are an important part of daily life, providing comfort, enjoyment, social connection, and cultural expression. The standard focuses on ensuring older people receive nutritious, appetising meals and have a meaningful say in what, when, and how they eat and drink.
The expectation for residents is simple:
“I enjoy tasty and nutritious food every day.”
What can residents and families expect?
Under Standard 6, aged care providers are expected to:
- Partner with residents about food and menu choices
- Respect individual preferences, cultural traditions, and dietary requirements
- Regularly assess nutritional needs and monitor wellbeing
- Provide access to nutritious food, snacks, and drinks throughout the day
- Create an enjoyable dining experience that promotes dignity, independence, and social connection
How are we preparing?
At Finley Regional Care, we continue to strengthen our food and dining services through:
- Resident feedback and consultation on menus
- Ongoing dietitian reviews and nutritional assessments
- Staff education on food presentation, nutrition, and texture-modified diets
- Monitoring of unplanned weight loss and nutritional risks
- Continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the dining experience and mealtime enjoyment
How can families get involved?
Families play an important role in helping us understand residents’ food preferences, cultural traditions, and favourite meals. We encourage family members to share feedback, participate in resident meetings, and discuss any nutrition or dining concerns with our team.
Working together helps us ensure every resident enjoys safe, nutritious, and enjoyable meals that support their health, independence, and quality of life.
Looking Ahead
The Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards place older people at the centre of care by promoting dignity, choice, and meaningful engagement. Standard 6 is an important step towards ensuring that every resident receives not only nutritious meals but also a positive dining experience that enhances wellbeing and quality of life.
Together, we are building a culture where every meal matters, and every resident’s voice is heard.
(Arjun Arjun, Quality Officer)
