Malnutrition is a serious health condition that impacts the lives of many people. Unfortunately, the prevalence of malnutrition stands at an unacceptable proportion of the population. In fact, it is estimated that up to 40% of hospital patients and up to 50% of residential aged care residents in Australia are potentially at risk of malnutrition or malnourished.
OSCAR Care Group hopes to increase the awareness of malnutrition across Australia so that we can work better together and make a difference by identifying those who may be at risk of malnutrition and improve health outcomes.
Education is king!
We believe knowledge is power as malnutrition can result in many negative health consequences. Our 18 qualified Dietitians are highly knowledgeable within the Aged Care sector and provide expert advice to combat malnutrition. Besides having our Dietitians available to provide individualised support to your aged care residents, we have a range of educational sessions to empower staff from all facets within an aged care facility.
Our food first approach in aged care
Sometimes it can be difficult for someone to eat beyond their appetite. So fortifying foods can be a practical way to increase the energy and protein content, without increasing the overall volume of food. Food fortification and the High Energy High Protein (HEHP) diet may help residents meet their increased protein and nutritional needs and reduce the risk of weight loss.
Our Dietitians’ food first approach is used to:
Minimise the risk of and reduce the rate of malnutrition
Increase the energy and protein content of meals and snacks
Increase meal satisfaction, enjoyment of meals and quality of life
What is The High Energy High Protein Diet (HEHP)
The High Energy High Protein Diet is designed to minimise weight loss. This is commonly used within the aged care setting due to the high prevalence of malnutrition, unintended weight loss, wounds, pressure injuries and/or loss of appetite.
The High Energy High Protein Diet Workshop
Our interactive workshop is ideal for aged care staff who like to be more involved when learning. Our two-hour session covers how to make food fortification easy. Lead by our amazing Allied Health Manager and Lead Dietitian, Kiarra, with hot lunch provided afterwards by Unilever.
We held our first interactive workshop at the start of August with great success. Filled with activities, practical ideas, and live cooking demonstrations. Participants were able to taste the difference between regular food and the HEHP Diet. Afterall, our aged care residents deserve not only nutritious but delicious food as well. Thank you to all who attended our first workshop and Nick, from Unilever, for the cooking demonstration and goodies.
In-depth virtual Food Fortification and HEHP Training
Let’s drive into more detail about Food Fortification and the HEHP Diet. Presented by Kiarra, our Lead Dietitian, this 2-hour session will educate your staff on the importance of the HEHP Diet in Aged Care with practical tips to put in place.
Delivered via teams to ensure we can help aged care facilities all around Australia.
This Virtual Food Fortification & HEHP Education includes:
Aged Care Nutrition Requirements
When to apply this diet
The food first approach
Food Fortification and Practical Steps
Real food and snack comparison examples
Case Studies
Recipes
Together we can all do our part to reduce the rate of malnutrition and make every mouth count. For further information on training, group sessions or our Dietitians please call our office on (03) 9560 1844.