World's Best Practice Dietitians in Aged Care

Research Partner: International Specialised Skills Institute

Project outline

The Australian Royal Commission into Aged Care identified the key role of dietitians in improving the nutrition and wellbeing of residents in aged care facilities.

This International Specialised Skills Institute (ISSI) Fellowship will focus on studying world’s best practice at Canadian aged care facilities and the critical role dietitians play in improving the health and wellbeing of the residents, examining dietitian training, frequency of consultation with residents, management structure, operational systems, food service operations and data systems.

The Fellowship researcher

Karley Bartrim is a qualified dietitian with extensive experience of working in Australian aged care facilities.

She is pursuing a PhD at Griffith University focused on developing the role of dieticians and improving the lives of people in aged care. She is a member of Dietitians Australia, a peak industry body for dietetic and nutritional professionals.

Key outcomes

Griffith University and Dietitians Australia will obtain valuable insights relevant to Australian aged care from the Canadian study.

The experience gained by working with the team who developed the Canadian dieticians aged care systems will provide valuable information supporting Karley’s involvement with Dietitians Australia, improving the nutrition of residents in aged care.

The Canadian perspective on developing meals and snacking, assisting nutrition and providing enjoyable and satisfying meals, will also provide valuable direction for future Rosewood Research projects.

Rosewood Research believes that innovative cereal and grain foods need to be developed to improve the quality of life and health outcomes for elderly Australians.