From 1 November 2025, aged care homes in Australia will need to meet the updated Aged Care Quality Standards. One major change is Standard 6: Food and Nutrition. This standard focuses on resident choice, nutrition needs and the overall dining experience.
At Country and Outback Health (COBH), our Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) are already helping aged care homes across regional South Australia prepare for these changes. Their work goes beyond checking menus. It supports dignity, independence and safe, enjoyable meals for older people.
This article explains how dietitians help homes meet Standard 6 and what providers can expect during the assessment process.
A focus on nutrition, choice and mealtimes
Food plays an important role in health and well-being. Standard 6 recognises this by asking aged care homes to:
- Work with residents on meal decisions
- Check and review nutrition needs regularly
- Provide meals that meet medical, cultural and religious needs
- Create enjoyable and respectful dining environments
Homes must now engage a dietitian at least once a year. The dietitian reviews menus, snacks, drinks and mealtime processes to make sure they align with nutrition guidelines.
What Accredited Practising Dietitians do
CObH dietitians give practical support to help aged care homes meet the new requirements. They assess nutrition, food service and the overall dining experience.
1. Menu and meal assessments
Dietitians review weekly and seasonal menus to ensure:
- Menus meet nutrition and quality aged care standards
- Meals are nutritionally balanced
- Medical needs are met, such as diabetes or coeliac disease
- Cultural needs and preferences are supported
- Menus offer choice
Dietitians also work alongside professionals such as speech pathologists for homes that support residents who require personalised, modified textured diets.
2. Reviewing kitchen and food service processes
Dietitians work with chefs, kitchen teams and leadership staff to improve:
- Standardised recipes
- Texture-modified meals
- Special diets
- Meal timing and presentation
- Hydration strategies
- Training for staff
This work strengthens clinical care coordination across the home and helps create safer and more reliable food service systems.
3. Improving the dining experience
Mealtimes should feel comfortable and respectful. Dietitians look at:
- Dining room environment
- Meal presentation
- Equipment that supports independence
- Resident involvement in meal preferences
- How staff help residents during meals
Small changes often lead to better appetite, improved social connection and greater enjoyment.
What dietitians need from aged care homes
To complete a full assessment, a dietitian may request:
- Menus and recipes
- Details on portion sizes
- Policies for meals, mealtimes and hydration
- Information about weight changes or malnutrition risks
- Time to talk with staff, residents and families
These details help dietitians understand how the home operates so they can offer practical and realistic recommendations.
Ongoing support for residents
While annual checks are required, ongoing dietetic support brings further benefits. This may include:
- Individual nutrition assessments
- Malnutrition screening
- Advice on wound healing
- Support for swallowing issues
- Monitoring of weight changes
- Chronic disease management
Dietitians also deliver training sessions on mealtime support, hydration, cultural needs and texture-modified diets. This helps staff provide safe and consistent care.
Why these changes matter
The updated standards shift aged care towards partnership and respect. Residents should feel heard, valued and supported in their daily meal choices.
Working with a dietitian shows a home’s commitment to:
- Safe and high-quality care
- Continuous improvement
- Cultural awareness
- Person-centred practices
For communities in regional and remote areas, access to experienced dietitians can significantly improve health outcomes for older people.
Contact Us
Food and nutrition are central to the quality of life in aged care. CObH dietitians can help your home meet Standard 6 requirements and create enjoyable dining experiences. To learn more about our dietitian services, contact Country and Outback Health on 08 8644 4900 or visit cobh.com.au