Meal Planning for Older Australians

One of the greatest benefits of receiving care in the home is the opportunity to provide genuinely person-centred support. Food is deeply personal and every individual has the right to be involved in decisions about what they eat, when they eat and how meals are prepared, wherever possible.

Good nutrition is closely linked to health, functional independence and quality of life. Studies also show that giving older people greater choice and involvement in food selection and planning can help reduce the risk of malnutrition while potentially improving meals and social engagement (Abbey 2015).

This article provides general guidance on nutrition and practical considerations for planning healthy, enjoyable meals for older Australians receiving care at home.

Malnutrition in Home Care

Malnutrition remains a significant issue among older Australians receiving community-based care. It is estimated that approximately 15% of people receiving home care in Australia are malnourished, with many more considered at risk (Tasmanian Department of Health 2020).

Older adults are known to be particularly vulnerable for many reasons, including:

• Reduced food intake due to social isolation or difficulty accessing food
• Reduced appetite or changes in taste and smell
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing or self-feeding
• Physical disability that limits shopping or meal preparation  
• Dementia, depression, anxiety, grief or self-neglect
• Medical conditions that restrict certain foods or impair digestion
• Multiple medications that affect appetite or nutrient absorption
• An unsuitable or unpleasant mealtime environment
• Illness or infection that increases nutrient requirements

(Tasmanian Department of Health 2020)

People living with disability or chronic illness may also face additional nutritional challenges, including:

• loss of appetite, nausea, digestive disorders, reduced mobility, vomiting or diarrhoea caused by their chronic illness
• increased energy needs following illness or surgery
• consumption of medicines that affect their eating and digestion
• impaired ability to mobilise themselves to shop and cook

(NHS 2023)

Healthy Eating for Older Australians

Foods to Limit

A healthy eating pattern generally includes limiting foods that are high in saturated fat, added salt and added sugars. Examples include:

• Cakes, pastries, fried foods and potato chips
• Processed meats and takeaway foods
• Sugar-sweetened soft drinks, cordials and confectionary
• Foods with high levels of added salt
• Alcohol, which should be consumed in accordance with current Australian health recommendations

 (Better Health Channel n.d.)

Occasional treats can certainly be enjoyed, but they should not regularly replace nutrient-rich foods that provide the vitamins, minerals and protein needed to support healthy ageing.

Foods to Enjoy

A balanced diet should include a variety of foods, including:

• Plenty of vegetables, fruit, legumes and beans in a range of colours:
  • Choose a variety of types and colours (e.g. green, orange, red, yellow, purple and white)
• Lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts and seeds
• Whole grain and high-fibre cereals and breads foods
• Milk, cheese and yoghurt or suitable alternatives that meet calcium needs
• Adequate fluids throughout the day to reduce the risk of dehydration

(NHMRC 2013)

Healthy unsaturated fats such as olive oil, avocado, nuts and seeds are generally preferred over saturated fats like butter, cream and coconut oil. Fish is also encouraged as part of a healthy diet and may contribute to heart, brain and eye health (Better Health Channel n.d.; NHMRC 2013; Nutrition Australia 2021).

For recommended servings based on age and gender, see the National Health and Medical Research Council’s Australian Dietary Guidelines Summary (NHMRC 2013).

Individual dietary advice should always take precedence where a healthcare professional has recommended specific nutritional requirements or therapeutic diets.

Meal Planning

People often eat with their eyes first, making the appearance of meals an important consideration. Colour, texture, flavour, aroma and variety all contribute to making meals more enjoyable and encouraging adequate food intake (Comcater n.d.).

Although rotating meal options can simplify planning, variety remains important for both nutritional adequacy and enjoyment. Offering choices wherever possible helps maintain independence and encourages people to remain engaged in decisions about their daily lives.

Meal Planning Considerations

Every older person has unique nutritional requirements. Effective meal planning should always consider the person’s individual goals, preferences and clinical needs, including:

• Medical conditions and nutritional requirements
• Food allergies and intolerances
• Vegetarian, vegan or other dietary choices
• Chewing and swallowing abilities
• Cultural preferences and traditions
• Religious food practices
• Cognitive impairment or mental health conditions
• Personal likes, dislikes and preferred mealtimes
• Medicines that may affect appetite or nutrition
• Increased nutritional needs associated with illness, injury or unintended weight loss
• Healthy weight management where clinically appropriate

(Metro South Health 2018)

Working collaboratively with the older person, their family, carers and healthcare professionals helps ensure meals remain safe, nutritious and meaningful. By placing choice, dignity and person-centred care at the heart of meal planning, home care providers can support not only better nutrition, but also greater independence, wellbeing and enjoyment of everyday life.

Source: This article is based on Meal Planning in Home Care by Ausmed and is republished with permission.

This information is general in nature and does not constitute medical, legal or financial advice. Please seek appropriate professional advice for your individual circumstances. Services are subject to availability and individual eligibility, including applicable funding criteria. Any examples or case studies are illustrative only. Individual experiences and outcomes may vary. Services are delivered by independently owned and operated franchisees under a franchise agreement with Homecare Group Pty Ltd. Experiences may vary by location. To the extent permitted by law, we exclude liability for reliance on this information. Nothing in this material excludes or limits your rights under Australian Consumer Law.

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