Jonathan Storer
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The new Aged Care Quality Standards are now in place and audits are underway. Did you know that aged care providers who do not have the resources and skill sets to manage their food operations correctly could potentially face several risks that could see them fail audits?
These risks include complaints from consumers and/or their loved ones, compromises to consumers’ health due to improper food management practices, menus failing to meet consumers’ nutritional and dietary requirements and danger of malnutrition and/or choking due to food texture, taste or appeal. Providers experiencing these issues could suffer reputational damage online or in the media and prospective loss of government subsidies or approval.
A great contract catering provider can assist you in meeting and surpassing every one of the standards outlined by the government.
Standard: Consumer dignity and choice
A well operated contract catering organisation will have their menus developed by professional chefs and nutritionists. This alongside great supplier relationships and the ability to source a variety of fresh, in season produce for a low cost gives providers the ability to offer more variety and choice to consumers for every meal.
Standard: Ongoing assessment and planning with consumers
Good catering providers will spend time getting to know your consumers and their tastes. At Cater Care we are always listening to consumers and providers so we can adjust our menus and service offering to best meet their needs.
Standard: Personal care and clinical care
If residents don’t eat the meals, they lose weight and become malnourished. If food is not handled and prepared properly, there’s the added risk of consumers falling ill. While for some consumers, there’s the danger of choking or the inability to eat at all due to food texture. Outsourcing catering takes the pressure off aged care providers, as experienced chefs and nutritionists can deliver menus that mitigate these risks.
Standard: Services and supports for daily living
Increased awareness of the nutritional needs of older people has led to a radical transformation in the way experienced aged care catering providers like Cater Care plan our meals. Meal plans take into account the specific needs of older residents, while meal timing and menus are designed around how older people eat. These steps can help consumers maintain weight, health and quality of life.
Standard: Organisation’s service environment
Mealtimes present an ideal opportunity to help consumers feel they belong and enhance feelings of safety and comfort. Cater Care pays great attention to detail in the dining experience. We create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that encourages social interactions. Another way Cater Care encourages more social engagement and fun at mealtimes is through our themed meals and events which have been shown to make a significant difference in resident experience and satisfaction.
Standard: Feedback and complaints
Contract catering providers should have systems in place that make it easy for people to give feedback and make complaints. We conduct regular surveys with staff and consumers at each facility we service. It’s not just enough to survey people, we also make sure we take action and follow up with consumers to ensure they feel we have acted according to their expectations when responding to feedback.
Standard: Human resources
Providing quality care and services from people who are knowledgeable, capable and caring is easy when you employ an experienced contract catering team. Our staff are completely qualified, and they receive regular, ongoing training in safety and service standards. We ensure they don’t just deliver safe, nutritious meals, but that they’re friendly, attentive and caring too.
Standard: Organisational governance
Having professional catering in place can help the consumers feel confident your organisation is well run. Provided your caterers are well organised, efficient, cost effective, and they have systems in place to maintain the highest standards, your reputation is safe.
Discover how Cater Care can provide a customised solution for your aged care home, or get in touch with Jonathan Storer to discuss how we can help you meet and comply with the Aged Care Quality Standards.
