Aged Care & Disability Accommodation

Menu Review and Development for Aged care facilities, retirement villages, group homes, SIL/SDA, and Supported Residential Services (SRS)

At Appetite for Nutrition, we provide expert menu review and development services for aged care and disability accommodation settings across Australia. Our Accredited Practising Dietitians work with aged care homes, Supported Residential Services (SRS), and NDIS-funded group homes (including SIL and SDA), to ensure meals are nutritious, balanced, and tailored to residents’ needs — including support for mental health, chronic disease, dementia, and swallowing difficulties.

Why Nutrition Matters in Supported Accommodation?

We help you meet national guidelines and quality standards, including:

  • Aged Care Quality Standards (Standards 1–8) — covering dignity, personal care, clinical care, mealtime experience, staff training, and governance

  • Australian Dietary Guidelines

  • Australian Guide to Healthy Eating

  • IDDSI (for texture-modified diets)

  • NDIS Practice Standards (where relevant)

Our services support facilities to prepare for audits, reduce risk of malnutrition, and improve resident health outcomes.

Nutrition & Health Statistics

  • Up to 72% of aged care residents are malnourished or at risk

  • 1 in 2 Australians aged 65+ have a chronic condition like heart disease or diabetes

  • 1 in 3 older Australians is at risk of malnutrition

  • Nutritional deficiencies can worsen mental health, dementia symptoms, and recovery from illness

Tailored, nutritious menus play a vital role in maintaining independence, preventing complications, and enhancing quality of life.

 Supporting Diverse Needs

Our dietitians ensure your menu supports:

  • Chronic conditions (e.g. diabetes, heart disease, dementia)

  • Mental health & cognitive decline

  • Dysphagia and texture-modified diets

  • Food allergies and intolerances

  • Cultural, religious, and personal preferences

  • Vegetarian, halal, kosher, and fortified diets

Our Services for Aged Care, SIL/SDA & SRS

1. Menu Review & Compliance Assessment

  • Full review against Australian Dietary Guidelines, IDDSI, and funding standards

  • Gap analysis for key nutrients (e.g. protein, fibre, calcium, B12)

  • Review of portion sizes, variety, texture, and dietary inclusivity

  • Practical, cost-conscious recommendations
    → Suitable for: Remote (desktop) or onsite review

2. Menu & Mealtime Quality Assessment (Aged Care Only)

  • Based on Dietitians Australia’s Menu & Mealtime Quality Assessment Tool

  • Onsite observation of food service and dining environment

  • Interviews with staff and documentation review

  • Recommendations for compliance and quality improvement
    → Helps meet Aged Care Quality Standards & prepare for audits

3.  Full Menu Development

  • Development of seasonal, nutritionally balanced menus

  • Tailored to resident health needs, kitchen capabilities, and food budgets

  • Menu rotation guidance and support with food waste reduction
    → Ideal for new facilities or services needing full menu support

4. Recipe Development & Support

  • Cost-effective, easy-to-follow recipes for staff

  • Modifications to meet nutrient goals and accommodate preferences

  • Flavourful and practical — without compromising on compliance

5. Special Dietary Needs & Fortification

  • Individualised support for conditions like dementia, dysphagia, and mental illness

  • Texture-modified, allergy-friendly, fortified, or supplementary meals

  • Guidance on food-first strategies before supplement reliance

6. Staff Training & Ongoing Support

  • Staff education in food safety, nutrition basics, and specialised diets

  • Practical support to implement new menus and improve mealtime experiences

  • Follow-up consultations to maintain compliance and evolve services over time

Why Choose Appetite for Nutrition?

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✔ Specialist Dietitians – Experts in aged care, disability, and mental health nutrition
✔ Tailored Support – Menu solutions that match your facility’s needs, staffing, and budget
✔ Regulatory Knowledge – We help you meet Aged Care Quality Standards, NDIS Practice Standards, IDDSI, and more
✔ Onsite & Telehealth – We offer services across Victoria and Queensland, with remote options Australia-wide
✔ Audit Preparation – Clear documentation and dietitian support to ensure you’re ready for accreditation or compliance checks
✔ Government Program Expertise – Including Home Care Packages, NDIS, and Supported Residential Services

Get in Touch

If you’d like to improve your facility’s menu or mealtime experience, we’re here to help.
📞 Contact Appetite for Nutrition today to receive a tailored quote or book a service.

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