Exceeding The Standards
How Contemporary Catering is Meeting – and Exceeding – the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards.
At Contemporary Catering, we believe food is far more than sustenance – it’s connection, comfort, and care. With the introduction of the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards by the Australian Government, our mission to support older Australians through high-quality, personalised food services has taken on even greater importance.
We’re proud to be not just aligned with these enhanced standards, but to be leading the way in delivering aged care dining experiences that prioritise dignity, nutrition, and individual choice.
1. Putting Residents First with Personalised, Dignified Dining
The Strengthened Standards place greater emphasis on person-centred care, which includes ensuring every resident's preferences, values, and cultural needs are reflected in their meals.
At Contemporary Catering, we actively engage residents in menu development and food service planning. Our chefs and operations teams work alongside care staff and residents to deliver food that’s meaningful, familiar, and enjoyable – because we know that dignity is served on every plate.
2. Delivering Exceptional Nutrition and Food Safety
Meeting the new expectations around nutrition, hydration, and mealtime enjoyment requires more than just a well-balanced menu. Our meals are designed with input from accredited dietitians to ensure they support optimal health outcomes, especially for residents with complex dietary needs.
We use high-quality ingredients and apply best-practice food safety and hygiene procedures in every kitchen we operate. For residents requiring modified diets, we ensure meals are both nutritionally adequate and visually appealing, upholding the standard’s focus on dignity and quality of life.
3. Investing in Skilled and Compassionate Teams
The Strengthened Standards highlight the importance of a capable and caring workforce. At Contemporary Catering, all staff receive specialised aged care training, including modules on the Strengthened Aged Care Standards, dining room and front of house training and IDDSI meal preparation and presentation.
Ongoing professional development is built into our culture, ensuring our teams are up to date with industry standards, clinical guidance, and emerging best practices in aged care catering.
4. Cultural Inclusion and Religious Responsiveness
Older Australians from diverse backgrounds deserve meals that reflect and respect their traditions. We collaborate with aged care providers and residents to develop culturally appropriate and inclusive menus, honouring religious dietary laws and cultural celebrations.
Whether it’s preparing halal meals, offering vegetarian or kosher options, or celebrating significant cultural holidays through food, we create inclusive experiences that make residents feel truly at home.
5. Continuous Improvement Through Feedback and Partnership
Resident and family feedback is central to our approach. The Strengthened Standards emphasise listening and responding – something we have built into our service model for years.
From satisfaction surveys to regular menu reviews and food focus meetings, we ensure residents’ voices shape what’s served. We also support providers through robust reporting, quality audits, and compliance readiness, making it easier to meet regulatory obligations.
Leading the Future of Aged Care Food Services
The Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards mark a new era in aged care – one that demands higher levels of quality, transparency, and individualised support. Contemporary Catering is proud to be a trusted partner in this journey.
By continuing to evolve, invest in people, and centre everything we do around the needs and dignity of older Australians, we’re not just meeting the standards – we’re setting new benchmarks.
Great food, prepared to high standards, by people who care!