Establishing the dietetic service of Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) at Ballarat Health Services.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Malnutrition in the elderly is common and can be associated with adverse medical consequences, contributing to increased risk of frailty, morbidity, hospitalisation and mortality. The Australian government has started the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) with aim to provide entry-level home support for older people to live as independently and as safely as possible in the community by working on their strengths, capacity and goals including nutrition. OBJECTIVE: To explore the acceptability of implementing this newly funded dietetic service involving home visits and the efficacy in maintaining the nutritional status of older people living in a regional area. METHODS: Survey data was collected to understand client’s perceptions of the CHSP- dietetic service at Ballarat Health Services. surveys included Likert scales, open-ended questions, anthropometric measures and others. RESULTS: There were challenges in establishing this newly funded dietetic service of CHSP and deterrence for accepting this service including interruption of personal space. However overall clients have reported that the program is invaluable and have benefited from the dietetic service. IMPLICATIONS: This new service has also provided the dietitians an opportunity to have a better understanding of their clients’ capacity at home and the impact home environment has on their nutritional status. Further research are required to identify strategies to overcome barriers for accepting the dietetic service of CHSP at Ballarat Health Services.