Registered Dietitians (RD)

A registered dietitian (RD) is a certified nutritionist that may be part of a patient’s healthcare team. They typically provide services in patients’ homes, nursing homes, and adult day centers. When a new referral is processed, an RD contacts a patient to arrange a meeting. Upon arrival the RD asks key questions regarding the patient’s nutritional needs.

These nutritional considerations may involve:

• Dietary knowledge (e.g. diabetic, renal, cardiac, low salt, and low protein diets);
• Diet history/food patterns;
• Blood sugar management;
• Blood pressure management;
• Chewing or swallowing difficulties;
• Bowel habits;
• Taste changes;
• Weight loss or gain;
• Food safety (e.g. food storage, proper cooking temperatures);
• Tube feeding and TPN nutrition; and
• Lab values.

The RD makes a nutritional assessment and provides diet education suited to the patient’s condition. A Natick VNA RD helps her or his patients gain a thorough understanding of their medical condition. Helping them learn how to provide self-care improves both the patient’s health and their peace of mind.

Together, the patient and dietitian create a treatment plan and arrange for any follow-up appointments. Family members or friends may be included in the plan, if desired, and Natick VNA staff and physicians are notified of all plans. Patients and families may be referred to other community agencies and resources if warranted.