Exploring 'Food First' Approaches in Aged Care

Current quality standards and nutrition recommendations are not specific for older adults in residential aged care homes. This research explored oral intake and solutions to using a 'food first' approach to maximise energy and protein intake and reduce unintentional weight loss Key findings identified that food volume and therefore nutritional intake is insufficient, and national nutrition recommendations for serving sizes are too large for residents to consume. Fortified diets and re-shaped texture modified foods increase energy and protein provision and consumption. These evidence-based findings will inform nutrition in residential aged care into the future.