Food and nutrition must be central to supported independent living
Dietitians Australia has responded to the Australian Government’s Supported Independent Living (SIL): What does good look like? consultation on a possible commissioning approach to SIL.
Our submission calls for explicit food, nutrition, hydration and mealtime requirements that protect participants’ health, safety, choice and independence in their own homes.
Drawing on APD expertise and practice examples, the submission highlights the gap between clinical recommendations and everyday support. Access to a dietitian and a written nutrition plan must be backed by workers, resources and systems that enable consistent implementation.
Our key recommendations include:
- Establish a distinct, auditable SIL Food and Nutrition Standard, with requirements proportionate to participants’ needs and providers’ control over food provision.
- Require early identification of nutrition risks, timely referral and independent access to Accredited Practising Dietitians.
- Mandate foundational food, nutrition and hydration training, supported by participant-specific instruction and competency assessment where required.
- Fund adequate mealtime staffing, training, clinical liaison and complex food preparation, including additional rural service costs.
- Keep individual dietetic services separately funded and chosen by the participant.
- Co-design and evaluate proposed requirements with people with disability, APDs, workers, providers and other relevant clinicians.
Read Dietitians Australia’s full submission.