We’re sure you’ll agree, food plays a big role in how we all feel. So we’re raising the bar on mealtimes in our aged care homes with our ‘Happy Table’ initiative. Our on-site Nutrition Champions are delivering delicious menu choices that put the joy back into whole foods. It’s about good nutrition, the joy of wholesome food, delicious menu choices and a friendly dining experience.
Happy Table is a Lutheran Services initiative raising the bar on mealtimes in aged care. It’s about good nutrition, the joy of wholesome food, delicious menu choices and a friendly dining experience.
Good nutrition is the foundation for wellbeing and quality of life. It leads to improved immunity, more independence and improved moods. Good nutrition can also reduce the risk of falls, pressure injuries and unplanned weight loss. Because life is better when we dine well, engage our senses and enjoy each day.
Happy Table is an evidence-based approach to delivering exceptional food and dining experiences that tackle malnutrition. It’s a comprehensive program encompassing food science and social strategies, alongside an expert dietitian service, toolbox talks, nutrition challenges and on-site Nutrition Champions. Importantly it is also a food first approach.
The science shows boosting nutrition rates is not as simple as eating more or having white tablecloths and candles. We know it is a complex play of delivering tasty, nutritious fresh food in a welcoming, home-like setting where people have the time to relax and enjoy their dining experience.
Food first means making sure residents get their nutrition through real, fresh and healthy food. Recipes devised by experts deliver optimum protein, are nutritious and fortified with wholesome ingredients. This means less reliance on supplements to fill in the nutritional gaps. It’s all about improving quality of life through the joy and benefits of good food.
We’ve partnered with industry leader and accredited aged care dietitian Dr Cherie Hugo and The Lantern Project to deliver Happy Table. Importantly, everyone at Lutheran Services is involved, from the catering team to our dedicated Nutrition Champions and working groups, to clinical staff and personal carers.
We’re collaborating with all team members and residents, as everyone has a vital part to play in creating exceptional mealtime experiences, improving quality of life, and turning the tables on malnutrition.
We have been encouraged, that in its first six months, Happy Table delivered a 20% increase in nourished residents. The combination of initiatives is having a positive impact on the lives of residents. This is an industry-leading approach to reducing malnutrition and improving the dining experience for our residents.
