Good nutrition plays a vital role in healthy ageing—but accessing reliable dietary support can be overwhelming for older Australians and their carers. That’s where My Aged Care comes in. Whether you’re navigating services for yourself or supporting a loved one, understanding how to access nutrition help through My Aged Care can make a real difference. So, let’s explore what’s available, how to access services, and how a Brisbane dietitian, registered dietitian, or online nutritionist can support older adults with individualised advice.
Why Nutrition Support Matters for Older Adults
As we age, nutritional needs change. Appetite, metabolism, and absorption rates shift—often alongside chronic health conditions, medication side effects, or decreased mobility. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), malnutrition affects up to 50% of older Australians in residential aged care and a significant number living independently.
Common nutrition-related concerns include:
- Weight loss or gain
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Poor appetite
- Diabetes, heart disease, or gastrointestinal conditions
- Recovery from illness or surgery
This is where tailored advice from a registered dietitian becomes crucial—ensuring older adults are supported with strategies to meet their unique needs, whether it’s through oral nutrition supplements, modified meal textures, or simple grocery tips.
What Nutrition Services Are Funded by My Aged Care?
Nutrition support is available under two My Aged Care programs:
1. Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
This program provides entry-level support for older Australians who need help with daily tasks. Under CHSP, eligible clients may access:
- Group nutrition education
- Assistance with shopping and meal preparation
- Individual sessions with a Brisbane dietitian or online nutritionist
2. Home Care Packages (HCP)
For those with more complex needs, a HCP allows for more comprehensive and flexible services, including:
- Ongoing dietetic consultations
- Monitoring of specific medical conditions
- Menu planning and nutrition therapy
- Feeding assistance or mealtime management
Funds can also be used to cover travel for home visits or devices like meal timers, adaptive utensils, and hydration reminders.
How to Access Nutrition Support Through My Aged Care
To get started on My Aged Care:
Register with My Aged Care by calling 1800 200 422 or visiting myagedcare.gov.au. Then, complete an assessment with the Regional Assessment Service (for CHSP) or an Aged Care Assessment Team (for HCP). Lastly, choose a provider that offers dietetic services, or request to work with a qualified registered dietician.
Some dietitians work independently or within multidisciplinary teams and can visit your home, meet you in a clinic, or provide support as an online nutritionist through telehealth consultations.
Benefits of Working With a Registered Dietician
A registered dietician has university qualifications and is accredited to provide evidence-based nutrition advice. When working with older clients, dietitians focus on:
- Preventing malnutrition and frailty
- Supporting the management of chronic disease
- Enhancing quality of life and independence
- Promoting hydration and adequate nutrient intake
A good Brisbane dietician will also take time to understand food preferences, cultural needs, allergies, and family involvement—creating a realistic and respectful care plan.
If mobility is limited or appointments are difficult to attend in person, an online nutritionist can offer valuable flexibility and continuity of care through virtual sessions.
Extra Services to Support Nutritional Wellbeing
My Aged Care support doesn’t stop at meal planning. Dietitians often work closely with care providers to ensure nutrition is part of a broader physical and mental well-being plan. This may include:
- Referrals for speech therapy (if swallowing is an issue)
- Liaison with meal delivery services (e.g., Meals on Wheels)
- Menu reviews in aged care settings
- Support with texture-modified diets or enteral feeding
Apart from the thorough aged care menu reviews, they may also offer workshops or training for carers and residential staff on safe feeding practices and hydration strategies.
Making the Most of Your Nutrition Support
Accessing nutrition help through My Aged Care is easier than many people realise. Whether you’re working with a Brisbane dietitian, arranging a clinic visit with a registered dietitian, or connecting with an online nutritionist from home, there are flexible options to suit your situation. Nutrition is key to ageing well—and getting the right advice can improve energy levels, mood, mobility, and overall health. If you or your loved one could benefit from this support, don’t hesitate to contact a support provider and ask what’s available through My Aged Care today.
