Dietitians and the NDIS - Myths versus fact

Have you ever wondered if you could access dietitian or nutrition support via your NDIS plan? Below we break down the myths versus facts of using your NDIS funding for dietitian services.

Myth - Dietitians cannot be funded under the NDIS.

Fact - Dietitians have line items under Capacity Building Improved Health and Wellbeing, Capacity Building Improved Daily Living and Core Supports Assistance with Daily Life. Many disabilities have impacts on nutrition which can in turn impact on communication, social interaction, learning, mobility, self-care and self-management meaning dietitian support is reasonable and necessary.

Myth - Dietitians can be accessed under a care plan from the GP and shouldn’t be funded by NDIS.

Fact - Yes, dietitians can be accessed through a care plan. However, this support is often not enough for people with a disability as it only allows up to 5 visits per year, often for only 20 minutes. People living with a disability have complex needs that often need more time, attention, and idividualisation that this service cannot cover. Participants would also be out of pocket to pay for these services.

Myth - Dietitians only work with people in larger bodies.

Fact - Dietitians have the scope and experience to work with a range of nutrition issues such as malnutrition, swallowing concerns, restrictive practices, bowel issues, fussy eating, tube feeding, supplements and mental health diagnosis.

Myth - Dietitians cannot be related to individuals' goals.

Fact - Dietitians who have knowledge and skills in working with people with a disability know and understand the impact of nutrition on functional capacity and independence and can assist in meeting a range of goals supported by the NDIS. For example, an individual with a goal on increasing access to the community may work with a dietitian on increasing energy levels, developing the skills to order from a cafe menu, increasing variety of foods to eat socially, managing tube feeding regime to increase independence.

Myth - Dietitians only need 6 hours of funding per year.

Fact - Many NDIS participants have more complex nutritional needs and live in more complex social situations which require more time than someone with an acute illness. NDIS plans should include sufficient hours for a dietitian to undertake activities that will empower individuals and their supports to meet their goals. Dietitians also advocate for the rights of people with a disability and can outline the reasonable and necessary criteria for accessing dietitian support in an NDIS plan.

Myth - Dietitians have to be written into an individual's plan.

Fact - There only needs to be funding available under Capacity Building Improved Health and Wellbeing, Capacity Building Improved Daily Living and Core Supports Assistance with Daily Life. NDIS participants have the choice and control to access supports they deem relevant to meet their goals and needs.

Myth -NDIS participants cannot have nutrition supplements in their NDIS plan.

Fact - Lots of disabilities impact the ability to eat and get all the necessary vitamins and minerals needed for health and wellbeing. NDIS participants should have access to affordable nutrition support products (including tube feeds, consumables, oral supplements, fluid and food thickeners). Access to food is a human right which dietitians can assist in advocating for.

Myth - Other therapies can do the same thing as a dietitian.

Fact - Dietitians are the ONLY food and nutrition professionals who are qualified and credentialed to work with NDIS participants, families, support staff, and professionals. APDs must meet regulatory and professional standards including the Code of Professional Conduct, the Statement of Ethical Practice and Scope of Practice Framework. Dietitians work within an evidence-based model and use relevant guidelines, including the Dietetic Core Standards for Disability. It is outside of other professionals' scope of practice to provide advice or support on nutrition related issues.

Access Ability Allied Health has IMMEDIATE capacity to help you, a loved one, or a participant you know with their nutritional needs. Contact us today or make an immediate referral.

References:

• NDIS Guidelines - Nutrition Support

• NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators

• Dietitians Australia - NDIS Participant Access to Accredited Practicing Dietitian Services and Nutrition Support Products