Aged Care Menu & Meal Compliance Reviews

Dietitian-led review aligned with the Aged Care Act 2024 and Support at Home requirements

Providing meals to older Australians now comes with clearer expectations around nutrition, quality, and accountability. Under the Aged Care Act 2024 and the new Support at Home framework, providers must demonstrate that meals are nutritious, appropriate for older adults, and supported by professional oversight.

Hearty Nutrition offers dietitian-led menus and meal compliance reviews for meal delivery services, community providers, and aged care organisations seeking clarity, confidence, and practical guidance.

Who this service is for

This service is for organisations that:

• Deliver meals to older adults in the community or home setting.
• Provide meals as part of the Support at Home services.
• Prepare or supply ready-made meals, soups, sides, or frozen items.
• Need documented evidence of dietitian involvement
• Want to future-proof their offering under the Aged Care Act 2024

​Whether you operate a full menu or a seasonal selection, this service helps ensure your meals meet both nutritional intent and regulatory expectations.

What the review covers:

Menu and meal assessment

• Review of recipes, method cards, ingredients, and portion sizes
• Assessment of meals against the nutritional needs of older adults
• Evaluation of menu balance, variety, and suitability at a menu level
• Identification of any gaps or areas requiring improvement

Nutrient analysis

• Nutrient analysis completed per serving size
• Per 100 g values included where appropriate for transparency and comparison
• Key focus on protein, energy, sodium, and nutrient density

Meal structure and balance

Many meal services provide protein-based mains with separate sides. This is acceptable under current guidance, provided the meals are combined appropriately.

The review assesses whether:

• Protein, carbohydrate, and vegetables are available in adequate amounts.
• Sides meaningfully support energy and nutrient intake.
• Clear guidance is provided on how to pair items to form complete meals.

Flexibility across starch and vegetable options is supported, as long as standard serving guidelines are met.

Reporting and documentation

You will receive clear, practical documentation suitable for provider records, audits, and internal use, including:

• A menu-level compliance summary
• Dish-by-dish notes and nutrient outputs
• Key findings and recommendations
• Opportunities for improvement (for example, desserts or additional meal components)
• A letter confirming the commencement of the dietitian review, if required

The focus is on practical compliance, not unnecessary paperwork.

Alignment with the Aged Care Act 2024

This service supports provider obligations under the Aged Care Act 2024 and Support at Home guidance, including expectations that meals:

• They are nutritious, safe, and appropriate for older adults.
• Support dignity, choice, and wellbeing.
• Are underpinned by evidence-based nutrition practice
• Are reviewed by a qualified dietitian
• Are supported by accurate documentation

For residential providers, this service also aligns with the intent of Strengthened Quality Standard 6: Food and Nutrition.

Opportunities for enhancement

Beyond baseline compliance, the review can highlight opportunities to strengthen your offering over time. Common areas include:

• Introduction of fruit-based or dairy-based desserts to support energy intake.
• Increased menu variety across seasons.
• Refinement of portion sizes for consistency.
• Improved clarity around meal combinations and menu presentation.

If you would like to discuss a menu review, seasonal assessment, or ongoing support, please get in touch.