FAQs
Do you have a clinic I can attend?
Although we don’t have a physical clinic, we’re excited to offer our mobile services directly to you in the Gold Coast and Logan areas. We look forward to bringing our care and support right to your doorstep.
Why do you provide mobile services?
We prefer to provide visits to our participant’s homes to understand the food setup, check for any food safety issues, and see if they have the necessary kitchen tools. This helps in creating practical strategies that fit their daily routines, cultural preferences, and with consideration for what is feasible for them to prepare. It also helps us to also learn about family dynamics to ensure everyone supports the dietary changes and to educate family members on healthy cooking. Visiting in person builds trust and makes communication easier, allowing for immediate answers to questions. We can track progress, provide feedback, and adjust plans as needed, while also addressing specific needs related to their disabilities, such as adaptations for accessible meal preparation or managing medical equipment related to nutrition. We’ve also heard from many of our participants that they experience anxiety with their disability, especially when out in the community so home visits mean they can feel more relaxed and open in an environment familiar to them, leading to more honest and productive discussions.
Home visits can provide a more comprehensive and tailored support that goes beyond what is possible in a clinical or hospital setting.
What can I expect at my first appointment?
We know that the idea of meeting with a dietitian can feel a bit daunting and might create some nervousness. To help you feel more at ease, we have outlined what topics and questions you can expect during your appointment here. Please remember, we are here to support you with kindness and understanding, and we are not here to judge your food choices or be the 'food police'.
Do I need a referral from my doctor?
Not at all, anyone can fill out our referral form to get started with us!
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How often should I see a dietitian?
Initially, we recommend more frequent sessions because changing nutrition habits can be challenging. Regular appointments, whether weekly or every two weeks, will help build momentum and deepen your understanding of how food affects the body. As you start to make progress, we can adjust to less frequent appointments, such as monthly or quarterly, to keep supporting you as needed.
Do dietitians only develop meal plans?
Dietitians do much more than just create meal plans. We start by assessing your individual health needs and nutritional status. Based on this, we may develop personalised meal plans if appropriate, or we will most likely start by adjusting your current dietary intake, as this approach is usually more manageable and achievable. We also offer guidance to manage specific disabilities and health conditions, as well as educate and support you in making healthy choices and changing habits. We'll regularly monitor your progress, adjust plans as needed, and work with other healthcare professionals to provide holistic care. Our goal is to help you make lasting, positive changes that support your overall health and well-being.
Is my dietitian going to ask me to make lots of changes all at once?
Not at all. We consider where you are at in your health journey and aim for small, achievable changes which may only be only one change per week. On the other hand, if you’re very motivated to make positive changes, we’ll help you tackle as many as you’re able to handle.
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Can I reschedule or cancel my appointment?
Yes, however, that if the request to cancel or reschedule falls within the short notice cancellation period or you do not show up for your appointment, fees will apply. This is because we reserve this time slot specifically for you and it is unlikely we can fill your spot within the short notice period as well as no notice means you’ve prevented someone else from being able to book that time. We appreciate having advance notice so we can offer the appointment to another participant who may need it.
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What is the difference between a dietitian and nutritionist?
In Australia there is a difference between a dietitian and other nutritional health providers including nutritionists. All dietitians are nutritionists, but nutritionists without a dietetics qualification can't call themselves a dietitian. While there are similarities between a dietitian and nutritionist there are differences in qualifications and regulation. The dietetic profession is regulated and meets strict standards as set out by the National Alliance of Self Regulating Health Professions (NASRHP). All dietitians have graduated with an accredited dietetics degree from an Australian university or studied overseas and undergone strict examination processes. Dietitians with the Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) credential commit to ongoing training and education throughout their careers. They adhere to a Code of Conduct. Dietitians have the knowledge and skills found in the National Competency Standards for Dietitians.
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As a profession, nutritionists are not regulated in Australia under NASRHP or certified under a single regulatory body. Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist regardless of their qualifications.
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Why are there no testimonials on your website?
Like many other regulated health professionals, Dietitians Australia and the National law does not allow the use of testimonials for promotional purposes. This is to safeguard your privacy and make sure that you and your situation are respected and not used for promotional or financial purposes. For further information on the Dietitian Code of Conduct, please click the following link: https://dietitiansaustralia.org.au/media/831​​​​​​​​​​​
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