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It’s quite likely you know someone with a food allergy. Or maybe you have one yourself. Food allergies and intolerances are among the fastest-growing chronic conditions in Australia, affecting approximately 1 in 5 people.
Older people are at an increased risk of suffering from adverse or life-threatening effects from food allergies, as ageing immune systems, gastrointestinal changes, and cognitive decline make it more challenging to stay on top of safe food intake.
Allergic reactions to foods can have lasting negative effects on the health of consumers, or even be fatal in the case of anaphylaxis.
Under the Aged Care Quality Standards and the Australia and New Zealand Food Standards Code, aged Care organisations must have procedures in place to manage and control food allergens, ensure the provision of safe food to consumers, and respond to allergic reactions if something goes wrong.
Managing the risks
A food safety program based on a strong risk-management approach is critical to avoid exposing consumers with food allergies to risk. It is vital that every staff member has a shared understanding of what an allergy or intolerance is, the food safety responsibilities that their role entails, and what to do in the event of an allergic reaction.
Kineo’s ‘Food Allergens in Aged Care’ course has been designed to give a wide range of staff working in aged care, from registered and enrolled nurses, support and care workers in residential and home care settings, food service staff, diversional therapy, and administration staff, all the tools they need to approach allergen control in their role.
So, what does the course cover exactly?
Throughout the course, learners will discover:
- what a food allergy is and how it affects the human body
- the differences between allergies and intolerances
- what the most common allergens are
- the food safety responsibilities relevant to their role
- strategies for managing food allergies among consumers
- how to avoid cross-contamination
- recognising and responding to an allergic reaction, and
- how to use an adrenaline autoinjector.
Additionally, the course provides learners with downloadable ‘takeaway’ resources, including the ‘Signs of Allergic Reaction’ poster, an example meal plan template, and interactive food safety checklists. These assets provide aged care staff with a comprehensive understanding of the tools, strategies and procedures that can be used to ensure that consumers receive food that is safe for them.
Our commitment to Aged Care
Kineo is committed to improving the lives of people living in aged care. We understand the unique challenges and pressures that the aged care sector faces - aged care staff don’t have time to waste on training that isn’t relevant and useful. All of our courses are designed in collaboration with subject matter experts to ensure the training is current, applicable, and pertinent, cutting the fluff and providing learners an engaging and accessible experience that won’t bore them out of their chairs.
If you want to discuss the Food Allergens in Aged Care course or have queries about other course titles in the Kineo Course library we'd be delighted to hear from you.
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