QI in Action: Piloting a Power Shift Through Food at Western Health
We spotlight QI Awards 2024 Winner of the Healthcare Measurement Category.
We are proud to spotlight the winner of the Healthcare Measurement category in the 2024 ACHS Quality Improvement Awards, Western Health in Victoria.
At Grant Lodge, a 30-bed aged care facility in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, Western Health set out in 2022 to transform how residents experienced food, nutrition and dining. The ‘Piloting a Power Shift Through Food,’ project led by a dietitian and supported by nursing staff, educators, food services, and management, placed residents at the centre of decision-making leading to remarkable results.
Project Background
Prior to the project, mealtimes at Grant Lodge were nutritionally inadequate and socially isolating. Menu items had not been reviewed in years, residents often ate alone in their rooms, and assistance at meals was limited. Mealtime audits revealed high food wastage and poor intake, particularly among frail residents. One resident, a 102-year-old living at Grant Lodge, was consuming less than half her meals and required nutritional supplements that she rarely accepted.
Improving Nutrition and Connection during Mealtimes
Western Health introduced a person-centred framework for food and nutrition, guided by best practice standards and built on collaboration with residents, relatives, advocates, and staff. The framework focused on:
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Governance: The dietitian led the implementation of processes and procedures to meet State, National and International standards.
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Individualised Focus of Care: providing tailored meal plans, and adaptive cutlery and crockery to promote independence.
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Cultural Change: reshaping mealtime into a social, home-like experience that residents could look forward to.
Key Outcomes
The resident-led menu has delivered 30% more energy and protein, while food wastage has reduced by 12%. Across the cohort, overall energy and protein intake has increased significantly. Staff have worked collaboratively to strengthen their knowledge and embed a daily focus on food, nutrition, and creating a home-like dining experience. This initiative has also inspired new food-focused activities, including storytelling around favourite recipes, the creation of a vegetable garden, and the development of a community cookbook.
You can read the full submission on pg. 43 of the Quality Initaitves Booklet our website here.
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