Food and nutrition have always been fundamental to aged care, but they are now coming under greater scrutiny than ever before. With the introduction of strengthened quality standards from 1 July 2025, aged care providers must be prepared to meet higher expectations around food, nutrition, and dining experiences.
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) is increasing its focus on food-related complaints, which already make up a significant proportion of issues raised by residents and their families.
At the same time, uncertainty surrounds the future of the Food, Nutrition and Dining Unit, a government-funded initiative that has provided crucial support to providers navigating these challenges.
If this unit ceases to operate due to a lack of funding, providers could be left without expert guidance at a time when they need it most. For aged care leaders, the message is clear: those who fail to proactively improve their food and dining services risk regulatory penalties, reputational damage, and declining occupancy rates.
Food-related concerns in aged care have been growing steadily, leading to a sharp increase in regulatory inspections. In the first quarter of 2024-25 alone, the ACQSC conducted 275 site visits focused on food, nutrition, and dining – up from 203 the previous quarter.
This surge in oversight reflects ongoing concerns about malnutrition, dehydration, and poor meal experiences in residential care settings.
Recent reports have shown that food-related complaints accounted for nearly 15% of all grievances submitted to the Commission in 2023-24. Many of these complaints stem from issues such as unappetising meals, a lack of variety, insufficient access to snacks outside of set meal times, and an overall poor dining experience.
For providers, these issues are more than just minor inconveniences. Poor food quality and inadequate nutrition have been linked to a range of serious health risks for older people, including weight loss, frailty, falls, pressure injuries, and a decline in independence.
As regulatory bodies increasingly recognise the impact of food quality on residents’ wellbeing, aged care providers who fail to meet expectations will find themselves under greater scrutiny.
With the introduction of the new Aged Care Act on 1 July 2025, aged care providers will be required to comply with a standalone Food and Nutrition standard. This new standard establishes clearer expectations around the dining experience and ensures that food quality is not merely an afterthought but a key component of quality care.
Under this standard, providers will need to demonstrate their commitment to partnering with residents on food and nutrition, ensuring that meals align with their dietary preferences and cultural backgrounds. This shift places greater emphasis on individual choice, requiring aged care homes to involve residents in menu planning and feedback processes.
The assessment of nutritional needs will also become more rigorous. Providers will need to show that they are regularly evaluating residents’ dietary requirements and making adjustments as needed. This means working closely with dietitians and nutritionists to ensure that meals are not only appealing but also nutritionally balanced.
Beyond the food itself, the dining experience will also come under greater scrutiny. Providers will be expected to create a welcoming and social mealtime environment, reducing noise and distractions, offering flexible eating times, and ensuring that meals are served at the right temperature and presented attractively.
For providers who fail to meet these new requirements, the consequences could be severe. Non-compliance may result in regulatory action, financial penalties, and even funding reductions. Aged care leaders must therefore begin preparing now to ensure they are not caught off guard when the new standards take effect.
While compliance with regulatory standards is essential, there is also a strong business case for investing in high-quality food and dining services. Aged care is shifting towards a consumer-driven model, where residents and their families have greater choice in selecting a provider. As expectations continue to rise, food quality is emerging as a key differentiator in the decision-making process.
Research has shown that aged care homes with better food and dining experiences tend to have higher satisfaction rates and stronger occupancy levels. Prospective residents and their families increasingly prioritise meal quality when choosing a facility, recognising that food plays a vital role in overall wellbeing.
Providers who invest in enhancing their dining services can see tangible benefits, including improved resident retention, stronger word-of-mouth referrals, and fewer complaints.
Simple changes – such as engaging residents in menu planning, introducing more visually appealing meals, and creating a restaurant-style dining experience – can make a significant difference in how a facility is perceived.
Additionally, prioritising food quality can help reduce long-term costs associated with malnutrition-related health complications. Residents who receive adequate nutrition are less likely to experience preventable hospitalisations, reducing strain on both aged care providers and the broader healthcare system.
With regulatory changes looming and food-related complaints on the rise, aged care providers cannot afford to take a passive approach. Those who continue to see food services as a compliance exercise rather than a core part of quality care will struggle to meet expectations and risk facing serious consequences.
The potential loss of the Food, Nutrition and Dining Unit makes this challenge even more urgent. For the past two years, this unit has provided valuable expert advice and support, helping providers navigate food service improvements.
If its funding is not renewed, providers will have to rely on internal expertise and industry best practices to stay ahead of regulatory changes.
To avoid costly failures, aged care services should take proactive steps now, including:
Providers that prioritise food quality not only reduce their regulatory risk but also strengthen their reputation in an increasingly competitive market. The upcoming changes to the Aged Care Act should not be seen as a burden but as an opportunity to elevate the standard of care and enhance the overall experience for residents.
While compliance with the new Food and Nutrition standard will be mandatory from 1 July 2025, aged care providers should strive for more than just meeting the minimum requirements. A well-executed dining service can be a powerful tool for improving resident wellbeing, boosting satisfaction rates, and standing out in a crowded industry.
