Dietetics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation
What do dietitians do?
Dietitians are the experts in food and nutrition advice.
How can we help?
Conducting nutritional assessments on individuals
Assisting in the provision of therapeutic diets
Assisting in the provision of culturally appropriate diets
Dietary counselling and education
Helping to improve meal variety
Nutrition support for people who have poor appetites,
nausea, increased nutritional requirements, pressure areas etc
Weight control advice
Adjusting diet to optimise bowel function
Calculation and provision of tube feed regimes for people unable to eat
Working closely with the Speech Pathologist in the provision of texture modified
diets for
people with swallowing difficulties
Meal Provision in the Spinal Injuries Unit
The meal service in the SIU is a bistro style service. Patients generally
have a trayed breakfast in bed to allow time for provision of morning nursing
cares. There is a communal dining room
which everyone is encouraged to attend. People unable to attend the dining
room are provided with a trayed meal at their bedside. The kitchen provides
regular
chef’s specials and barbeques
to help improve variety.
Facilities are available in the SIU for the storage and preparation of food
if people with spinal cord injury or
their families wish to do so.
This page last updated: May 2010
Review date: May 2011
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