March 18, 2025
Ah, Nutrition and Hydration Week. The one week of the year where we collectively stop to remember that, yes, food and water are, in fact, kind of important.
Revolutionary, right? At Plena Healthcare, we’re not just making a song and dance about it for one week—we’re on a year-round mission to ensure Aged Care residents across Australia are well-fed, well-watered, and feeling fabulous.
Why Does Nutrition & Hydration Matter?
Picture this: You wake up feeling groggy, your energy is low, and your mood is grumpier than a toddler who just dropped their ice cream. Now imagine feeling like that every day. That’s what poor nutrition and dehydration can do to our older population, leading to everything from fatigue and confusion to serious health complications. Let’s be honest, no one enjoys being hangry, especially not in their golden years.
That’s why at Plena, we take Nutrition and Hydration very seriously—while also making it fun (because let’s face it, who doesn’t love a bit of food-related joy?).
So, what are we actually doing to make sure Aged Care residents are eating and drinking well? Let’s break it down:
🥕 Dietitian-Approved Menus – Our team of Dietitians ensure meals are not just nutritious but also tasty. Because if it doesn’t taste good, what’s the point?
🍽 Texture-Modified Meals that Actually Look Like Food – No more mystery mush! We support catering staff to create texture-modified meals that are both safe and appetising. Because everyone deserves a plate of food that looks like, well, food.
🤝 Collboration with our Aged Care Providers – We’re working closely with Aged Care homes to implement best practices, ensuring every resident gets the right nutrition tailored to their needs.
Preparing for the New Strengthened Standards
The new Aged Care standards around Nutrition and Hydration are on the horizon, and Plena Healthcare is more ready than a contestant on MasterChef armed with a secret ingredient.
Here’s how we’re preparing:
✅ Training, Training & More Training – Our Allied Health professionals are being equipped with the latest knowledge to ensure every bite and sip counts.
✅ Data-Driven Care Plans – We’re using innovative assessments to track hydration levels, nutritional intake, and overall wellbeing, so no one falls through the cracks.
✅ Resident-Centered Approach – Every person is different, and we’re making sure dietary plans reflect personal preferences, cultural backgrounds, and health needs. Because no two taste buds are the same!
So, as we celebrate Nutrition and Hydration Week 2025, let’s raise a (well-hydrated) glass to better food, better drinks, and better quality of life for Aged Care residents across Australia. At Plena Healthcare, we’re not just ticking boxes—we’re creating a future where great Nutrition and Hydration are the norm, not the exception.
Wan to find out more about out our menu and mealtime assessment services, visit https://www.plenahealthcare.com.au/menu-and-mealtime-assessment/ or email menus@plenahealthcare.com.au
Cheers! 🥤
