This discussion paper is focused on the food, nutrition and mealtime experiences of care recipients in residential aged care. It will inform the development of draft competencies and qualifications by the ASIRC for consultation.
Many aged care sector representatives, as well as the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC), have called for a greater customer service focus and consumer engagement beyond fundamental care, with a focus on quality, dignity, respect and choice.
The shift towards a more consumer-centric aged care market is consistent with changing consumer dynamics across the broader economy. The time is right for the aged care industry to lead community interactions and design its service delivery based on deeper and actionable consumer insights – including the mealtime experience.
