puddings (18). Four reported fortifying puddings with milk
powder. Eighteen homes reported making milkshakes, milkbased
Milo or other protein drinks, and 15 reported that
eggs cooked in various ways were available for people who
were smaller eaters. Nutritional supplements, sometimes
recommended by a dietitian, were used for frail residents in
14 rest homes. Potato and gravy, jelly, fruit, cream and home
baking were occasionally reported in response to this question,
although these, while adding energy, would not contribute
significantly to protein intake.
Incidental menu changes were approved by management
in less than half (n = 20) the rest homes. Most common
reasons for changes to planned menus were:
• Supply problems (n = 15)—deliveries failed to arrive in
time, or items were not ordered
• Resident requests and special occasions (n = 7)
• Cook felt like a change, did not think residents would like
the item, or it was deemed unpopular (n = 6)
• Pre-preparation not done (n = 5)
• Needing to use leftovers (n = 3)
When asked whether the menu considered culture of the
residents, the majority (n = 41) said it did. This included age
culture, based on traditional values and food preferences.
Other needs, including religious and ethnic, were provided
on request in 37 rest homes.
Frequent meals and snacks (preferably 24-hour availability)
were reported in all rest homes. Between-meal snacks
and supper were delivered to residents by caregivers or
catering assistants, to bedrooms, lounge or dining areas.
Eight rest homes offered the main meal in the evening. While
this is in line with the norm in the non-residential setting, it
is still common practice to serve the main meal at midday in
NZ rest homes. Breakfast was most often served to residents
in their rooms; 27 facilities offered breakfast in the dining
room, and in 10, more than 50% of residents had breakfast
in the dining room.