Delicious food can spark more than just a full stomach—it can reignite a zest for life in older Australians.
Yet, in many aged care homes, meals are often treated as an afterthought rather than a highlight of the day.
One renowned culinary advocate believes this neglect could be costing residents more than just flavour.
Aged care homes typically spent an average of $15 a day on meals for each resident, a figure that might seem modest but posed a real challenge for quality and creativity.
'What was missing was not only a joy in food, but the real belief in most places that beautiful food will make such a difference to the wellbeing of residents.'
Chef and advocate Maggie Beer said it was entirely possible to operate on that budget and still improve standards with a little ambition.
'Food is not a pill to be swallowed or a care task to be ticked off, or a prescription to be filled,' she added.
'Whilst food is about nutrition, it's so much more than that, because food creates an appetite for life.'
What families can do right now
- Check your loved one’s facility food spending at gen-agedcaredata.gov.au
- Call 1800 844 044 to report food concerns to the Commission
- Ask about staff training and whether they’ve joined Maggie Beer’s programs
- Request to see sample menus and nutrition assessments
- Advocate for resident food committees and tastings
More than four years after the aged care royal commission delivered its staggering findings, Ms Beer said there was still much work to be done, particularly on urgent recommendations to improve food standards.
She noted that cooks and chefs in aged care often worked without adequate support, prompting her call for accredited training that equipped them with the specific skills needed to serve older Australians from diverse backgrounds and those living with disability.
Ms Beer's foundation already ran a program linking aged care kitchen teams with a qualified chef to guide them in serving flavourful, nutritious food.
Schemes like this could spotlight an alternative path for passionate chefs, she said.
'If you give people pride and knowledge and a path, you will get people in,' Ms Beer said.
Free Training Available Now
12-month mentorship with qualified chef trainers
Online training modules and professional forums
Menu appraisals by Accredited Practising Dietitians
State and territory hubs for group training
Certificates valid for 2 years upon completion
To register: Visit maggiebeerfoundation.org.au
Hotline for food complaints: 1800 844 044
As more older Australians chose to live at home for longer, Ms Beer hoped to inspire them to take pride in their own food and cooking.
She said many people living alone lost motivation to cook, while others did not realise that nutrition needs evolved as they aged.
Her foundation aimed to provide ideas and recipes that could help older Australians maintain health, independence, and joy.
'Eating well is aging well and gives us the joy that will give us the strength, the muscle mass, to be involved in exercise, to continue doing as much as we can to retain independence,' she said.
What This Means For You
Aged care meals often lack attention and creativity, even when daily budgets are modest, but Maggie Beer emphasised that food contributes to residents’ wellbeing far beyond basic nutrition.
Providing accredited training for aged care chefs can improve both their skills and the quality of meals served, while older Australians living at home can benefit from practical recipes and nutrition guidance that support independence and enjoyment.
Together, these efforts show that good food is more than sustenance—it can be a source of joy, health, and connection at every stage of life.
Have you ever noticed how a simple, well-cooked meal can change the mood of an entire day?
Maggie Beer | Creating an Appetite for Life — The foundation provides free education and training to improve dining, food, and nutritional outcomes for older Australians in aged care.
https://maggiebeerfoundation.org.au/
Fees for permanent residential aged care | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing — Reports average daily food spend in aged care facilities and outlines maximum room price limits.
https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/residential-aged-care/charging/fees
Home Care Package costs and fees | My Aged Care — Explains resident fees and highlights poor food conditions in some aged care facilities, including unhygienic kitchens and spoiled food.
https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/home-care-package-costs-and-fees
Training and Education Programs for Cooks, Chefs and Providers | Maggie Beer — Offers free support and resources for aged care providers, cooks, and chefs to improve meal quality.
https://maggiebeerfoundation.org.au...undation-aged-care-cook-chef-support-program/
Trainer Mentor Program | Maggie Beer — Provides mentoring and support to up to 120 aged care homes nationwide, including monitoring meals and snacks.
https://maggiebeerfoundation.org.au/trainer-mentor-program/
Maggie Beer’s aged care eating mission is feel-good TV – but is it a recipe for real change? | The Conversation — Discusses small, resident-focused changes like serving fresh toast hot to improve choice, enjoyment, and mealtime experience.
https://theconversation.com/maggie-...-tv-but-is-it-a-recipe-for-real-change-230556
Food and nutrition | Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission — Highlights food and nutrition as a priority area and introduces fees to support improved dining environments and social engagement for residents.
https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/strengthened-quality-standards/food-and-nutrition
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