KING Island Multipurpose Centre Currie (Netherby Home) has been ranked number three in Tasmania for its food quality by residents.
Every aged care home in the state has been rated on its food by residents. The calculated food score for Netherby Home was 3.5 out of a possible four.
Up to 20 per cent, or more than 37,000 aged care residents across Australia, were asked the question, ‘Do you like the food here?’ as part of an annual national survey, undertaken by an independent team on behalf of the Federal Government. The residents’ experience survey results are important because they carry a 33 per cent weighting towards the overall Star Ratings score for each home.
Food is a crucial aspect of the aged care experience, and both the Government and the regulator have made significant efforts to enhance food quality in residential aged care facilities.
The Department introduced a $10 daily supplement aimed at improving nutrition, while the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission created tools to assist providers in enhancing their food standards.
Information regarding the food provided at residential aged care services is publicly accessible through the Star Ratings published on the My Aged Care Website.
These ratings are based on four subcategories, all of which include data relevant to food and nutrition:
• Resident experience: Surveys conducted by an independent workforce, using a global best practice quantitative research methodology. Residents are asked annually if they like the food provided.
• Compliance: Regulatory activities by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, ensuring services meet legislated food and nutrition requirements.
• Staffing: Includes the care minutes of personal care workers who provide eating assistance.
• Quality measures: Includes indicators such as unplanned weight loss, falls, major injuries, and pressure injuries, where food and nutrition can significantly impact outcomes.