Health and nutrition in aged care
Within the context of aged care, health and nutrition services focus on providing those living independently with the necessary help and support to maintain and improve their overall health. This may include services such as dietary support, food delivery, and assistance with meal preparation.
Often, this form of assistance involves an assessment of the care recipient’s diet and nutrition, followed by a menu being provided. Family members can then opt to either help their loved one to prepare their meal, have it delivered pre-portioned, or receive help with feeding if required.
More specialised requirements can be also met, with nutritionists liaising with GPs to ensure meals the delivery of meals which are appropriate given any underlying medical conditions.
Costs
Health and nutrition services can be government subsidised under the Commonwealth Home Support Program and Homa Care Package program. This may be fully subsidised or may require an individual to pay a small fee. Privately funded health and nutrition services will vary in cost.
Accessing Health and Nutrition Services:
Health and nutrition services such as dietary support, food delivery and assistance with meal preparation often falls under government subsidised schemes such as the Commonwealth Home Support Program and Homa Care Package. Accessibility is based on the criterion provided for the Commonwealth Home Support Program and Homa Care Package program. Privately funded services may also be available for food service and delivery which do not require any assessment. Our “Plan Care” tool can help you access providers of health and nutrition services.
