Lifeview's Food Appreciation Program

In aged care, the quality, variety and nutritional value of meals is a constant source of opinion and feedback. By creating a Food Appreciation Program, which covers resident involvement in menu design, food preparation and special events, Lifeview has seen increased satisfaction in this highly important and emotional area.

The main goal of the Food Appreciation Program is to give independence and choice back to the residents. Moving into aged care shouldn't mean giving up the right to have a say in what you eat. 

At Lifeview, residents own the menu process - they know that their feedback is appreciated and heard. Residents work with the chefs to have favourite recipes added to the menu. They can choose to be hands on in the preparation of special meals, and know they have more choices available to them at meal times.

Residents also have a say in what time they have their breakfast. The introduction of a continental buffet ensures residents can continue with their regular routines. 

Resident designed menus do not lead to a lack of nutrition – all meals selected on the menu are still approved by dietitians and meet all standards. In fact, many previously under-nourished residents have flourished after admission, through this approach.

It is a program not only about food, but also about choice and respect. 

Since the introduction of the program four years ago, resident satisfaction in catering has improved from 77% to 92%. Signs indicate that this figure will increase in the coming months due to further innovations.

There is also increased satisfaction in the area of cultural diversity. New food related activities such as tomato bottling and special themed cultural days have been introduced. Non-Anglo dishes also feature regularly on menus. Special lunches such as Parma and Pot, Roast and Red Wine and Chicken and Champagne have been a popular addition for residents.

Supplement use has decreased, as has overall food wastage. Residents are maintaining a healthy weight as appetites are peaked and consumption of meals is up.

Click here to find out more about Lifeview's residential aged care homes.