RAI-MDS 2.0 Nutritional Care Resource Guide April 2011 - CCIM

Dietitian ReferralDietitian Referral OrientationOVERVIEW• Nutrition Care and Its Importance• Goal of Nutrition Care• Purpose of a Dietitian Referral• To Whom Do You Make a Dietitian Referral?• How to Make a Dietitian Referral?• When to Initiate a Dietitian Referral?WHAT IS NUTRITION CARE?Nutrition care within a Long-term Care setting includes:• Provision of a socially stimulating and pleasant dining environment• Enjoyable meals• Adequate and nourishing food• Assistance with eating including modified diets, textures, supplements and/or tube feeding• Supporting of resident choiceWHY IS NUTRITION CARE IMPORTANT?• Good nutrition is part of dignity in care and quality of life• An absence of good quality, attractive and nutritious food for older people and a failure to provide support at mealtimesfor those who need it constitutes a lack of respect for people’s dignity• Good nutrition care is central to older people's good health. It increases their resistance to disease and ability to recoverfrom illness, trauma or surgery.• Good nutrition and hydration and enjoyable mealtimes can improve the health and well-being of older peopleGOAL OF NUTRITION CARETo ensure residents have good nutrition care, adequate hydration and enjoyable mealtimesPURPOSE OF A DIETITIAN REFERRALTo provide guidelines for the interdisciplinary team members to: Identify residents at nutrition risk, and Make timely dietitian referral to meet the needs of residentsTO WHOM DO YOU MAKE A DIETITIAN REFERRAL?Depending on home’s policy, you communicate your resident’s dietary concerns or needs to the dietitian or the nutrition manager.HOW TO MAKE A DIETITIAN REFERRAL?Depending on home’s policy, you may have to fill out a dietitian referral form or document in a communication book or e-mail yourrequest to the clinician dietitian or nutrition manager.WHEN TO INITIATE A DIETITIAN REFERRAL?Depending on home policy and practice, make a dietitianreferral when:• There is a new admission or• The resident returns from hospital with nutrition implications or significant changes in health status• The resident is identified as being at risk for nutritionFor Information: 416.327.7625 29ltchrai@ontario.ca