Antibiotics are widely used in residential aged care facilities to treat a variety of infections. One of the side effects of these medications is diarrhoea. Probiotics have been found to assist in the control of antibiotic diarrhoea. What is Antibiotic Associated Diarrhoea? Antibiotic Associated Diarrhoea (AAD) is diarrhoea that occurs when taking antibiotics that can’t...

This article follows on from our recent article on the “Food First Approach” to optimising nutrition. Some residents are not able to meet their nutritional requirements with food alone and require nutrition supplements.  As the term suggests, nutritional supplements are used to ‘supplement’ the diet, not to replace it. Supplements are most effective when they...

Some residents are not able to meet their nutritional requirements with food alone and require nutrition supplements.  This article follows on from our recent article on the “Food First Approach” for optimising nutrition for the aged care industry. Nutritional Supplements As the term suggests, nutritional supplements are used to ‘supplement’ the diet, not to replace...

Dysphagia is estimated to affect between 8-67% of residents in residential settings. Of this 43% are more likely to have dementia. Texture-modified foods and thickened drinks are commonly used in dysphagia, to reduce the risks of choking and aspiration. Student project (2017) Student Dietitian: Katrina Bach- Bond University Supervisor: Elizabeth Newsham-West APD Make Your Own...

Commercial nutrition supplements will always have their place in residential aged care facilities to help promote optimal nutritional status in those residents who are managing very little variety in their diet and are unable to maintain their weight through food intake. However, there are strategies your facility can implement to help control costs with no disadvantage to residents.