New Innovations Recognised at National Aged Care Hospitality Award

The inaugural National Aged Care Hospitality Award for Catering Innovation of the Year has been presented to Victorian  Aged Care contract caterers United Hospitality, along with NSW Aged Care provider the Whiddon Group.
The award was presented at the OSCAR Aged Care Hospitality Awards in Sydney.
United Hospitality won for making high quality moulded smooth pureed meals available across all the Victorian aged care sites to which they cater. They have also established a separate company, Textured Concept Foods, to service other aged care facilities and catering providers, making their innovation accessible to hospitals and the healthcare sector, Australia wide.
The Whiddon Group’s win was based on provision of four new dining programs introduced over the last 12 months, including a Dining with Dignity and Fine Dining program.
Of United Hospitality’s National Aged Care Hospitality Award win, Darren Benfell, Joint Director of United Hospitality, says; “We are truly honoured to receive this award, as it is recognition of a great deal of hard work put in by a very talented team.”
Dysphagia (swallowing difficulty) is a growing health concern in our aging population. Age-related changes in swallowing physiology as well as age-related diseases are predisposing factors for swallowing difficulties in the elderly. Until now much of the healthcare industry has struggled with the provision of sufficiently varied, high quality, cost effective vitamised meals.
Rosalie Marshman, Director of Care Services at Deloraine Aged Care explains residents typically eat more on this diet and there is lower wastage of food. "There is also greater variety of meal options. "These are huge benefits not only for residents’ enjoyment, but also their physical wellbeing,” she says