Highest to lowest: Every SA aged care home food rating and ranking revealed

More than 200 South Australian aged care homes have residents who say they only sometimes like their meals, while residents at 110 homes never liked their meals. SEE THE RANKINGS

More than 200 South Australian aged care homes have residents who say they only sometimes like the food, while 110 homes never liked their meals, according to a national survey.

ACH Group Residential Care – Milpara in Rostrevor was the lowest ranked home in the state with a food score of 2.16 out of 4.

The results come from a national annual survey of up to 20 per cent, or more than 36,200 aged care residents across Australia who were asked, ‘Do you like the food here?’. The answers were collected last year.

The results – which also include other questions such as whether residents feel safe or whether the staff know what they’re doing – are important because they carry a 33 per cent weighting towards the overall Star Ratings score for each home.

ACH Group Residential Care – Milpara in Rostrevor was the lowest ranked in South Australia.

“Significant investment has been made by ACH Group to improve the dining experience for residents since this Resident Experience Survey was undertaken at Milpara more than 12 months ago,” Linda Feldt, ACH Group chief executive officer, said.

“ACH Group has partnered with the University of South Australia to redesign menus so that residents can visualise their meals when making food selections.

“We have also increased the frequency of chef audits, where our chefs visit homes.”

Analysis of the data by the Department of Health and Aged Care shows enjoyment of food in aged care has remained the same over the past three years. Each year around seven out of 10 residents answer positively.

During that period there has also been a slight decrease in the prevalence of significant unplanned weight loss.

The median spend on food has also increased by $2.52 since 2022 to $14.92 per resident per day.

Charla Lodge, in Bordertown, achieved the highest food score, with 85 per cent of residents always liking the food and less than a quarter liking it most of the time. It achieved a score of 3.85 out of 4.

The Greek Community Home For The Aged in Earlwood, Sydney, topped the national table with a perfect score of 4 out of 4.

The government is bringing in a new Food Standard from July 1 which will measure whether residents get plenty of food and drinks they enjoy and are nutritious, appetising and safe, and meet their needs and preferences.

Minister Mark Butler said older Australians have “worked their whole lives, they deserve tasty, nutritious food in aged care”.

Sheridan Fredericks, Regional Hospitality Manager for Catholic Healthcare – which had 30 homes ranked in the top 100 – said their meals must meet strict nutritional standards, with protein and calcium carefully balanced across every meal and snack, and “monitored as closely as clinical care standards”.

Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Chef Yan Xu and residents of St Bedes aged care home Gloria Mcara and Arthur Andonpoulos enjoying the food that is being prepared at the aged care home. Picture Thomas Lisson

He also warned if aged care homes “don’t look at the bigger picture”, then their satisfaction rates are likely to stay low.

“Residents are more willing to give feedback when they feel good about the whole dining experience, not just the food,” Mr Fredericks said.

“It’s also crucial to involve residents in the process. Let them know you’re listening — show them how their feedback has influenced the menus or the dining experience. That’s what we’ve learned … it’s essential to close the loop.”

Originally published as Highest to lowest: Every SA aged care home food rating and ranking revealed