A Model for Providing Community Based Medical Nutrition Therapy for Persons with Developmental Disabilities
LEARNING OUTCOME: To describe a community based Medical Nutrition Therapy service that targets persons with developmental disabilities in Southwestern Pennsylvania As the trend towards normalization and community integration of persons with developmental disabilities heightens, community based medic...
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| Published in: | Journal of the American Dietetic Association Vol. 97; no. 9; p. A9 |
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| Main Authors: | , |
| Format: | Journal Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier Inc
01-09-1997
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| Online Access: | Get full text |
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| Summary: | LEARNING OUTCOME: To describe a community based Medical Nutrition Therapy service that targets persons with developmental disabilities in Southwestern Pennsylvania
As the trend towards normalization and community integration of persons with developmental disabilities heightens, community based medical nutrition therapy emerges. Medical Nutrition Therapy services are available on a flexible schedule to meet individual needs. Persons with developmental disabilities require an individualized approach that encompasses their knowledge, skills, abilities and goals. These alternative counseling sessions rely heavily on hand-on demonstration, are conducted in home environments and address realistic outcomes. Medical Nutrition Therapy for persons with developmental disabilities is provided by registered dietetic professionals who develop programs that are custom designed to meet the individuals' intellectual and skill level. Services and programs include, but are not limited to, assessments, annual reviews, participation in team meetings and person centered planning, therapeutic diet instruction, menu writing, consumer education, shopping and cooking skills, client and staff training, and monthly follow up and support.
A key component of the services offered is to create an awareness and understanding of the role that nutrition plays in improving and maintaining the health and welfare of all persons as well as a knowledge of nutrition and its role in disease (such as diabetes, heart disease, gastrointestinal disorders, swallowing difficulties and food allergies as well as weight disparities are the most common problems assessed).
By providing individualized nutrition education programs with self-paced goals nutritional needs are better met. Mastery of basic medical nutrition therapy concepts leads to independence and improved self-esteem. |
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| ISSN: | 0002-8223 1878-3570 |
| DOI: | 10.1016/S0002-8223(97)00354-4 |