Disability

People living with disabilities are at risk of nutritional issues just like the rest of the community.  Melissa is passionate about working in the disability sector and has over 4 years experience in the Acquired Brain Injury unit at Caulfield Hospital.  Melissa has developed an extensive skill-set supporting those with cognitive, physical, sensory, neurological and/or intellectual limitations. 

Melissa can assist with a range of health conditions including diabetes, low weight, weight gain, high cholesterol, swallowing issues, constipation, osteoporosis and high blood pressure.  With specialist knowledge in feeding tubes and medical grade nutrition supplements, Melissa can also support the management of those on Home Enteral Nutrition (HEN). 

Advice needs to be person-centred, tailored to individual’s functional needs and goals. Melissa recognises the importance of involving carers, family, plan managers and support workers in order to achieve the best outcomes.  Working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team is also essential as nutrition problems amongst this group are often multi-faceated and impact on other therapies such as speech pathology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and psychology. 

Potential Benefits of Nutrition Intervention
-  Help to improve your health and nutrition while on a budget
-  Improve mental health
-  Better quality of life
-  Improved bowel pattern (i.e assist with diarrhoea and/or constipation)
-  Lower rates of readmission to hospital
-  Reduce risk of pressure area formation
-  Achieving your physical rehabilitation goals