When we think about aged care, food is often one of the first things that comes to mind. A good meal can make a huge difference, so it’s no wonder the menu can be a deciding factor when choosing a facility. Nutrition is especially important for maintaining strength, preventing illness, and boosting overall wellbeing. It is linked to fewer hospital admissions, quicker recovery from illness, and better mood and energy. Yet mealtimes can also be one of the biggest challenges. So how do we make food in aged care both healthy and enjoyable?

Getting food right in aged care isn’t easy. Reduced appetite, side effects from medication, and changes to taste and smell can all make eating less appealing. Many residents also experience chewing or swallowing difficulties, which require modified diets. Facilities face practical issues too, balancing medical needs such as diabetes or coeliac disease with individual preferences, all while catering for dozens of people at once. On top of that, budget and staffing constraints often limit variety. The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety made it clear that food is an area where residents want to see real improvement.

The good news is that even small changes can bring back the joy of eating. Food is about more than nutrients; it’s about people coming together. Familiar comfort foods, like roasts, casseroles, or pavlovas, often spark appetite and conversation. Smaller dining rooms make mealtimes feel homely. And celebrations such as birthdays, cultural festivals, or themed meal days bring variety and fun.

Giving residents choice, whether between two meal options or through regular menu input, makes them feel respected. Even simple involvement, like helping with gardening or setting the table, adds a sense of purpose.

Make it colourful: Bright vegetables, fresh salads, and fruit platters stimulate appetite.
Familiar favourites: Residents often enjoy meals that remind them of home, such as roasts, casseroles, or pavlova.
Smell matters: The aroma of freshly baked bread or herbs from the garden can trigger hunger even when appetite is low,
Cultural flavours: Including dishes from different cultural backgrounds helps residents feel at home and valued.
Small touches: Garnishes, herbs, or a sprinkle of spice can transform a plain dish into something special.

On top of these small changes, some residents need extra care when it comes to food:

• Texture-modified meals can still be tasty and attractive with the right presentation. The IDDSI framework gives clear guidance for preparing safe, appealing meals for people with swallowing difficulties.
• Boosting nutrition through high-protein snacks, soups, or smoothies can help those at risk of malnutrition.
• Medical diets for conditions such as diabetes or coeliac disease require careful planning with dietitians, but variety is still possible.
• Individual monitoring is vital. Regular check-ins with dietitians and families mean changes in appetite or weight are spotted early.

Improving food in aged care doesn’t always require a big budget. Here are some simple ways to start:

• Plan seasonal menus to make use of fresh, affordable produce.
• Provide smaller, more frequent meals for residents with low appetites.
• Offer plenty of drinks, water, smoothies, and herbal teas, to avoid dehydration.
• Train staff to understand the basics of nutrition and how to support residents at mealtimes.
• Gather regular feedback from residents and families to shape future menus.

The future of food in aged care is shifting towards more personalised, home-like dining. Technology is playing a role too, from apps that allow residents to order meals to tools that help staff track nutritional intake. There’s also growing interest in connecting food with activity, residents might plant herbs in raised beds, take part in cooking demonstrations, or share meals with local school groups. These initiatives not only improve nutrition but also strengthen community and purpose.

Good nutrition in aged care is about much more than ticking off nutrients. It’s about dignity, enjoyment and quality of life. With creativity, planning and input from residents, mealtimes can become something to look forward to. Families gain peace of mind, staff see the joy that food can bring, and residents experience one of life’s simplest but greatest pleasures, good food, shared with others.