Living with a disability and not sure if you need to see a Dietitian? Or you have been recommended to see one, but not sure what it means? We’re here to help and to answer all your questions. Dietitians are the leading voice in nutrition and dietetics. What you eat can significantly impact your physical and mental health. At OSCAR Care Group, our Dietitians provide NDIS participants with evidence-based and practical nutritional advice that fits in your requirements, abilities, and lifestyles. Whether you have an intellectual disability, mental illness or neurological conditions, our NDIS Dietitians are here to support you to feel and function better through your dietary choices.
What is a NDIS Dietitian?
A Dietitian working with NDIS participants within the framework of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Dietitians are food and nutrition professionals who are qualified and credentialed to work with NDIS participants, families, support staff, and other members of the health care team.
When choosing a Dietitian, make sure they are an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD). Dietitians are trained professionals who keep up to date with new training and education, adhere to a code of conduct, and meet guidelines for evidence-based practice set by Dietitians Australia. We only employ Accredited Practising Dietitians, to ensure our participants receive the best care. OSCAR Care Group is a Registered NDIS Provider too, meaning our Dietitians can help you.
Common Reasons Why Dietitians are needed in NDIS
Nutrition supports are available for participants needing help with the way they eat or with understanding the food they need. Our NDIS Dietitians at OSCAR Care Group have the necessary skills to consider the nutrition impact symptoms, determine health priorities for complex client concerns and provide recommendations for health outcomes accordingly.
Dietetic support can enhance NDIS participants overall wellbeing and increase independence, capacity for learning, and social inclusion. If you find it difficult to prepare nutritionally balanced meals, understand nutritional information, develop and maintain healthy eating habits, you may be eligible for dietetic support under your NDIS plan.
To get nutrition support in your plan, evidence is needed for the NDIS to understand what you need. NDIS Dietitians are the experts in determining what should be recommended as reasonable and necessary supports for NDIS participants regarding Dietitian consultation hours and nutrition support products. Following a nutritional assessment, our Dietitians can provide the NDIS with a detailed report that includes recommendations to assist you with meeting your nutritional requirements.
Why is it beneficial to see a Dietitian?
Our Dietitian’s have a broad understanding of various disabilities, we collaborate with the participants health care team, and tailor their approach to meet the unique needs of each individual. By adopting a person-centred, collaborative, and flexible approach, our NDIS Dietitians can navigate the complexities of supporting NDIS participants effectively.
When to refer a NDIS Participant to a Dietitian?
If you think your participant or loved one could benefit from dietetic support, OSCAR Care Groups NDIS registered Dietitians are here to help. NDIS participants do not need a referral to see a Dietitian. We can provide NDIS dietetic services through the ‘Improved health and wellbeing’ and ‘Improved Daily Living’ funding category of their NDIS plan.
What can NDIS Dietitians help Participants with?
Dietitians can play a crucial role in supporting NDIS participants by addressing various nutritional and dietary aspects to enhance overall health and wellbeing.
These areas include, but are not limited to:
Personalised meal planning
Weight management
Medical nutrition therapy
Allergies and intolerances
Tube feeding
Mealtime management
Nutrition education
Hydration support
Assisting with food allergies/intolerances
Nutrition for mental health
Community resources
Advocacy and empowerment
What Should Carers or Participants Know Before a Visit From a Dietitian?
Our Dietitian’s take the time to get to know you and listen to your overall health concerns. Your first consultation will last between 45-90 minutes. We offer home visits or in-clinic consultations at our Mulgrave clinic in Victoria. If you require a home visit, OSCAR Care Group request a home safety questionnaire to be completed to check the home is safe for our health care professionals to enter.
At the initial consultation we will ask questions that inform a clinical assessment such as height, weight, relevant blood test results, appetite, and then more broader questions about your current diet, and general health and lifestyle behaviours. Answers to these questions help form a nutrition care plan that will best support you and your nutritional concerns.
Dietitian Tips for Carers
Preparing for an initial consultation with a Dietitian as a carer involves gathering important information and being ready to assist in communicating your client’s needs.
To assist, here are some tips:
Prepare information about the individual’s medical history, medications, and recent blood test results, and/or clinical investigations.
Keep a food diary for a few days before the consultation. Documenting usual meals, snacks, and beverages. Portion sizes are helpful and any specific food preferences or aversions.
Make a list of any specific concerns or challenges related to nutrition and dietary habits.
Be ready to discuss the individual’s lifestyle factors, physical activity levels, sleep patterns and any relevant habits that may impact nutrition.
Have a list of all medications and supplements the individual is currently taking.
Have a copy of the individual’s NDIS plan to help the Dietitian align their recommendations with the NDIS goals.
By taking these steps, the Dietitian can provide targeted and effective guidance tailored to the individual’s unique needs and circumstances.
Supporting independence and quality of life
Overall, seeing a Dietitian provides access to expert knowledge and guidance that can positively impact participant’s health, wellbeing, and overall quality of life. As NDIS Dietitians, our evidence-based recommendations can help you make sustainable changes to your diet, promoting long-term health, enhancing quality of life and independence.
If you have any further questions regarding the process or benefits when seeing a NDIS Dietitian, reach out to our team today.
Request a booking with our NDIS Dietitians