Infuse Issue 14 October 2021 | Page 20

MOMENTUM FOR CHANGE

Along with Julie Dundon , I was fortunate to be a Dietitians Australia Subject Matter Lead for Aged Care over 9 months to the end of June 2021 . In this role , Julie and I :

✓

✓

✓

Prepared various responses to Royal Commission documents

Wrote position and funding statements for professional and government discussions

Developed evidence-based positions for Dietitians Australia across the spectrum of nutrition care for the Maggie Beer Foundation Congress in February 2021

A virtual issue of Nutrition & Dietetics that focused on aged care research was also published for release in conjunction with this congress . Along with the contribution by many APDs who work in aged care , this advocacy has built momentum for change . The opportunity to improve the nutritional status of our older Australians has arrived .

The Royal Commission : what was recommended ?

The recommendations of the Royal Commission are diverse and have a clear focus on the importance of nutrition care supported by greater access to dietetic services for recipients of home care and residential aged care services . Recommendations included :

• The assignment of funding for allied health care within home care packages

( Recommendation 36 )

• The employment of dietitians in residential aged care facilities

( Recommendation 38 )

• Increased funding for workforce development ( Recommendations 78-82 )

• Increased food budget via an increased basic daily fee per resident

( Recommendation 112 )

Funding has been supported in the 2021 budget announcement for some , but not all , of these recommendations .

© Dietitian Connection 20 Infuse | October 2021