Hospitalisation data released today by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety further emphasises Dietitians Australia’s call for mandatory malnutrition screening and quarterly re-screening of aged care residents.

Dietitians Australia urges the Australian Federal Government to ensure the 2021-22 Budget provides adequate funding to support Australians to make appropriate food choices for their health.

Tackling malnutrition by elevating the importance of nutritious food for older Australians is Dietitians Australia’s key focus at tomorrow’s National Congress on Food, Nutrition, and the Dining Experience in Aged Care.

Food and nutrition has been identified as one of four concerns requiring immediate attention in the Final Report handed down by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety today.

Dietitians Australia welcomes the increase in the basic daily fee for aged care homes, announced as a part of the Federal Government’s 2021-22 budget. But without mandatory malnutrition screening, this is money down the drain.

Senator the Honourable Richard Colbeck, Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, today shared how dietitians are a key part in creating generational change in aged care to ensure older Australians are adequately nourished.

Sent January 2021 - Dietitians Australia wrote to Hon Mark Butler MP, Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing, and Clare O'Neil MP, Shadow Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, following news of their appointments. And to request a meeting to discuss the role dietitians play in the health and wellbeing of older adults.

Sent April 2021 - Dietitians Australia expresses concern about continued raised rates of ‘unintentional weight loss’ in residential aged care homes. This was sent to the Hon Greg Hunt, Minister for Health and Aged Care, and Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck, Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, requesting a meeting to discuss.

Sent May 2021 - Dietitians Australia expresses concern about the continued raised rates of ‘unintentional weight loss’ experienced by elderly Australians in residential aged care homes. This letter was sent to the Shadow Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Clare O'Neil MP, requesting a meeting to discuss the issue.

Sent June 2021 - Dietitians Australia wrote to the Hon Mark Butler MP, Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing, and Ged Kearney MP, Shadow Assistant Minister for Health and Ageing, to request a meeting to discuss the role dietitians play in health and wellbeing. Also the recommendations around food and nutrition from the Aged Care Royal Commission.