Aug 12, 2019

Meeting the nutrition needs of Indigenous Elders

Dietitians highlight the importance of communication to provide nourishing and culturally appropriate foods in residential aged care. New research presented today at the Dietitians Association of Australia 36th National Conference uncovers how engaging both staff and Elders was key to optimising the food served to Indigenous Elders, living at a residential aged care home.

Final year Latrobe University dietetic students undertook a review of the food service system. From this, Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) Rebecca Monk supported changes to be made to the food service, to better meet the needs to the Elders. Consulting all involved helped to uncover Indigenous Elder food preferences, increasing satisfaction towards meals.

“As many Indigenous Elders had an urban upbringing, meals including fish, pasta bolognaise, and barbeques were rated highly. This underlined the importance of tailoring the menu to the needs of the Elders, rather than assuming traditional foods would be preferred,” said Monk.

Monk emphasises how environmental factors contribute to promoting a safe and enjoyable setting for Elders and highlights the important role of food in continuing connection to country.

“Community days and involvement in food preparation is highly regarded by the Elders and incorporating these into mealtimes, through family barbeques and damper making has been integral in fostering a sense of belonging,” said Monk.

With the risk of malnutrition increasing with age, Indigenous Elders are also predisposed to developing chronic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. This draws further attention to the importance of providing nourishing food and the need to support Elders with a better understanding of nutrition.

“Regularly communicating with Elders about the food served, increased their expectation and understanding of their meals. This knowledge is then passed on to the younger generation, helping promote healthy habits for all.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement

The grandparenting challenge tackled by some older people

Over the years I have – happily – seen an increasing number of movies about older people, and enjoyed most of them. Nonetheless, as my even more movie-addicted brother has pointed out – somewhat unkindly but with a grain of truth – more often than not they are “those cutesy or poignant UK ones about... Read More

Aged Care Residents Moved Due To Bushfire Threat

Bushfires have been burning all along Victoria’s south-west, and it’s forced people to leave their homes. This even includes aged care residents. Peat fires have been burning for several days now near Cobden, east of Warrnambool. The nearby Cobden Health is home to 55 aged care residents, had to be rehoused over the weekend. Peat... Read More

‘We eat with our eyes’: getting food right in aged care

  It’s a common situation we see all too often in aged care facilities: a resident doesn’t want to eat their meal. The person may not be able to communicate why they don’t want to eat, they may not like the meal, or the food may be too difficult for them to eat. They may... Read More
Advertisement