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Improving the quality of food and nutrition in our aged care homes was a major recommendation of the Aged Care Royal Commission, which found 68% of residents were malnourished or at risk of malnourishment.
In response, the federal government established a $13 million food unit as part of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
The unit will manage a dedicated phone hotline that residents, family members, staff, and the public can ring with questions, concerns, and complaints about food, nutrition, and dining. Callers will have access to experts, including dietitians.
The hotline, 1800 844 044, will operate from 9am to 5pm AEST, Monday to Friday.
It will also be available to aged care providers so they can access food and nutrition advice, support, and education about food, nutrition, and dining experiences for people in their care.