Aged care residents take a bite out of new moulded pureed food menu

Around one million Australians live with a swallowing difficulty, with more than 50 per cent of those Australians living in residential aged care. This means they have to have a “textured modified diet”; their food has to be eaten as blended up or as a puree.

The RMH Residential Aged Care Dietitian Elise Szulik said it’s important to help re-create familiar foods for patients, consumers and residents, who are often at risk of dietary deficiencies due to unappealing pureed food.

"Older persons often have the combination of a reduced appetite due to a diminished sensation of taste and thirst, and also swallowing difficulties, known as dysphagia," Elise said.

"This means most of their foods have to be minced or pureed, a process by which fluids are added, which dilutes and decreases the nutritional value and affects the taste and look of the foods they eat, which can make it unappealing.

"Our moulded food options contain added fortified nutrients as well as maintaining patient dignity by serving food that looks like real food.

"We’re spotlighting what healthy ageing can look like."

Cyril Jewell resident Scott (pictured with Cyril Jewell House staff members) was amazed to see sandwiches on his plate for lunch the other day, having been on a textured modified diet for many years.

The RMH’s Residential Aged Care Service Nursing Director Wendy Wallace said watching Scott’s face light up when he realised he could eat a sandwich again was a “great joy” to witness.

"It was such a special day for Scott and his brother but also the staff who have worked with Scott for 13 years," Wendy said.

"This was a real team effort between our Residential Aged Care and Food Services teams to ensure patient-centred care, dignity and choice.

"This is a massive step forward for food in aged care."

The “sandwiches” on offer include full-flavoured bread filled with egg, tuna mayo, cheese and tomato, and corn beef and pickle.