Accredited dietitians play a key role in maintaining resident health and wellbeing, writes Claire Hewat.

Aged care professionals must work together to help people living in residential aged care and community care lead healthier, happier lives. And in order to effectively partner with dietitians, aged care staff need a good understanding of the type of services dietitians provide, when to refer and how to find a suitable practitioner.

Dietitians translate scientific nutrition information into practical advice to help people make the right decisions about what to eat. A dietitian assesses a patient’s nutritional and medical history, reviews biochemistry or other relevant test results, and takes a detailed dietary and family history.

Dietary counselling includes education, goal setting and tips on how to reach these goals. And plans always take into account the patient’s readiness to change, knowledge, skills and access to resources. Progress is monitored at regular follow-up consultations and dietitians liaise with other members of the health care team about each patient’s progress and outcomes.

What is an APD?

DAA recommends looking for the accredited practising dietitian (APD) credential when choosing a dietitian. APDs are university-qualified and have extensive expertise in nutrition and dietetics. The APD credential is the only national credential recognised by the government, Medicare, the Department of Veterans Affairs and most private health funds as the quality standard for nutrition and dietetics services.

Most Australian health funds have levels of cover that give a rebate for seeing a private practice APD. Patients may also get a rebate through Medicare if they are under a care plan for a chronic health condition (such as type 2 diabetes) that is being co-ordinated by a GP.

When to seek the input of an APD

APDs advise on the nutritional management of many conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders, cancer, physical and mental disabilities, malnutrition, food allergy and intolerance, and overweight and obesity. Some occasions where staff should seek input from a dietitian include when a resident has a poor food intake or appetite, is finding it difficult to eat food, is failing to meet their nutrition needs, experiences a significant weight change, needs a texture modified diet or alternative feeding, has a new diagnosis requiring dietary changes or requires a periodic review of their nutrition needs.

Working with a dietitian

Staff will differ in their interest in the area of nutrition. But as with any health-related advice, the advice must come from a suitably-qualified health professional, working within their scope of practice. When it comes to food and nutrition, dietitians are the experts. They provide medical nutrition therapy that builds on general nutrition guidelines.

APDs can collaborate with and support staff working in residential and community care sectors by:

• assessing a resident’s nutritional status and needs

• educating residents, carers and families on health eating and nutrition

• taking part in care planning and case conferences

• training staff – including through professional development sessions

• developing nutrition programs and policies

• working on health promotion activities

• developing education resources to use with residents.

Finding an Accredited Practising Dietitian

Finding an APD is easy. Look in the Yellow Pages under “dietitian” or call your local public or private hospital or community health centre and ask to speak to an APD. You can also visit the “Find an APD” section on the DAA website www.daa.asn.au, or call the hotline on 1800 812 942.

Claire Hewat is CEO, the Dietitians Association of Australia. DAA has developed a nutrition manual for hospitals, aged care facilities and residential centres. Go to www.daa.asn.au