Services

We are able to provide support under the NDIS to those who are:

  • Self Managed

  • Plan Managed

As an NDIS participant, you have choice and control over your goals and how your receive support to achieve them. You can choose to use funding from your NDIS plan to access dietetic support to help you achieve your goals.
To access NDIS funded dietitian services, your support needs to relate to your goals. This may include building or maintaining your function in several areas, including social interactions, learning, self-care, and self-management.

You can currently access funding for dietitian services under the following categories:

Capacity Building: Improved health and well-being and/or Improved Daily Living

Core Supports - Daily Activities

Ways a dietitian can support me

  • Personalised meal planning for various health conditions

  • Nutrition education for participants and carers

  • Support for sustainable weight loss

  • Management of enteral feeding (tube) and related supports

  • Managing health condition through personalised nutrition interventions
    This can include creation of personalised visual tools and education materials

  • Education and training on shopping and meal preparation
    This can look like hands-on cooking classes for meal preparation skills and food safety and also in person guided supermarket tours

  • Skills development in menu planning, budgeting, suitable food options when out and food safety

  • Assistance with malnutrition and unintentional weight loss

  • Sourcing of appropriate nutritional supplements

  • Nutritional advice for difficulties with chewing and swallowing (dysphagia)

  • Support for challenging mealtime behaviours

  • Collaboration with support teams and allied health professionals

  • Advocacy for participants nutritional needs

WHY NDIS participants need access to dietitians

There are several reasons why NDIS participants can benefit from dietetic support

  • Improved Health Outcomes: Dietetic support has been shown to improve health outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Research published in the "Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics" indicates that tailored nutrition interventions can lead to better management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases among individuals with disabilities (Yamada et al., 2015).

  • Management of Specialised Dietary Needs: Many NDIS participants have specialised dietary needs due to their disabilities or underlying health conditions. A study published in the "Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics" highlights the importance of dietitians in providing personalised nutrition therapy to individuals with specific dietary requirements, such as those with coeliac disease or food allergies (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2018).

  • Promotion of Independence: Dietetic support can empower NDIS participants to take control of their nutrition and dietary choices, thereby promoting independence and autonomy in managing their health. Research conducted by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) in Australia suggests that dietetic interventions focused on skill-building and education can enhance individuals' self-efficacy in making healthy food choices and adhering to dietary recommendations (NDIA, 2020).

  • Prevention of Secondary Health Complications: Individuals with disabilities are at a higher risk of developing secondary health complications related to nutrition, such as malnutrition, obesity, or gastrointestinal issues. According to a systematic review published in the "Journal of Disability and Rehabilitation," dietetic interventions aimed at preventing and managing these secondary health conditions can significantly improve the overall well-being and quality of life of individuals with disabilities (Hosking et al., 2016).

  • Optimisation of NDIS Funding: Utilizing dietetic support effectively can help NDIS participants optimise their funding by addressing nutrition-related goals outlined in their NDIS plans. A report by the Australian Government Productivity Commission emphasizes the importance of evidence-based interventions, including dietetic services, in achieving positive outcomes and value for money within the NDIS framework (Productivity Commission, 2017).