The dietitian in community home programs
Oller, J.A.
Journal of the American Dietetic Association 76(3): 267-269
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-8223 PMID: 7391463 Document Number: 155557
The dietitian member of the health care team overseeing foster homes in a community must be competent in administration, clinical nutrition, patient education, and human relations. Since rules and regulations for residential health care vary from state to state, the need exists to establish good general practices and to understand the dietitian's role. The dietitian should work closely with the home sponsor to develop basic ground rules and establish a nutritional care plan. Follow-up visits are an essential ingredient to evaluate the facilities, disseminate information, and assure that the resident is receiving an appropriate diet. The most successful planning occurs when the sponsor keeps a record of food served and the dietitian makes recommendations that fit into the sponsor's life style. The dietitian also must counsel on modified diets, and analyze social and economic conditions that affect the types of foods a sponsor is able to serve.