By When it comes to supporting the health and wellbeing of an older family member, good nutrition plays a vital role. Malnutrition, unintentional weight loss, and difficulty preparing meals are common challenges faced by older Australians, particularly those living independently or managing chronic conditions. Thankfully, through My Aged Care, families can access professional help from a registered dietician, including in-person consultations or services from an online nutritionist. Whether your loved one needs assistance managing a medical condition, adapting to changing dietary needs, or simply building confidence around food, working with a qualified dietician in Australia can make a real difference. Here’s what you need to know about how nutrition support works under My Aged Care and how to access the right services for your family.
Why Nutrition Support Matters in Older Age
Ageing naturally brings changes in appetite, digestion, metabolism, and mobility. These can be further complicated by conditions like diabetes, dementia, cancer, arthritis, or recovering from surgery. A registered dietician can help older adults manage:
- Unintended weight loss or gain
- Reduced appetite or poor nutrient intake
- Swallowing or chewing difficulties
- Chronic illness or polypharmacy (multiple medications)
- Mobility issues affecting food preparation
- Changes in taste or smell
According to the Dietitians Australia Nutrition and Ageing report, up to 60% of older Australians in aged care settings are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. Early intervention by a dietician in Australia can help prevent these issues and support long-term independence.
What Dietician and Nutrition Services Are Funded Through My Aged Care?
Under both the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and Home Care Packages (HCP), eligible older Australians can access services from a registered dietician. This can include:
- One-on-one consultations: In person, via telehealth or with an online nutritionist
- Personalised nutrition plans: Addressing chronic conditions like congenital heart disease or diabetes, weight management, or general healthy eating
- Meal and menu planning: Especially for those with dietary restrictions
- Feeding support: Useful for people living with dementia or cognitive decline
- Cooking sessions or shopping advice: Supporting safe and enjoyable food preparation
- Education for carers or family: Helping you support your loved one with confidence
These services can be delivered at home, in a clinic, or online, depending on your location and the provider.
How to Access Nutrition Support for Your Family Member
Here’s how to get started with nutrition support through My Aged Care:
- Contact My Aged Care
Call 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au to begin the registration process. You’ll be guided through an eligibility assessment. - Complete an Assessment
An assessor from the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or Regional Assessment Service (RAS) will visit your family member to understand their needs and recommend services. - Choose a Service Provider
Once approved, you can choose a provider that includes access to a registered dietician or online nutritionist. You’re not locked into any one provider—choose one that meets your family’s values and preferences. - Start the Support Plan
After matching with the right dietician in Australia, your family member will begin receiving support, either in person or via telehealth.
In-Person vs Online Nutritionist Support
Many providers now offer the flexibility of seeing an online nutritionist, making support accessible to people in rural or remote areas. Telehealth can be just as effective as in-person sessions for many types of nutrition counselling, especially when regular check-ins and care coordination are key.
However, for people with complex needs or mobility issues, a home visit from a registered dietician may still be the best approach. Discuss what’s right for your loved one based on their comfort, cognitive capacity, and tech setup.
Supporting Health, Independence & Quality of Life
When your loved one receives professional nutrition support through My Aged Care, they’re not just eating better—they’re gaining energy, managing their health conditions more effectively, and often feeling more confident and independent in their daily lives. As a family member, it can be a huge relief knowing a qualified dietician in Australia is guiding them with expert advice. Whether you’re looking for in-home visits or prefer the convenience of a telehealth or online nutritionist, My Aged Care helps ensure every older person gets access to quality, personalised nutrition care from a registered dietician in Australia.