From supporting chronic disease management to health promotion and prevention, dietitians are dedicated to improving the well-being of Canadians at every stage of life. With their specialized expertise, they help clients and patients understand the connection between food and overall health, empowering them to make informed choices that lead to better health outcomes.

This March as we celebrate Nutrition Month and Dietitians Day on Wednesday March 19, we recognize the impact of dietitians across the healthcare system, including our own dedicated team at VHA Home HealthCare (VHA). To mark the occasion, we’re highlighting the expertise and commitment of dietitians, exploring their crucial role in home care and sharing insights from a VHA dietitian on why she’s passionate about her work.

What are Registered Dietitians?

Registered Dietitians (RDs) are regulated health professionals specializing in food and nutrition, human physiology, lifestyle and health behaviours. They provide personalized guidance based on each client’s unique needs considering factors such as medical history, medications, cultural preferences, food skills, budget and health goals.

With rigorous education, training and licensing requirements, dietitians are the only nutrition professionals regulated by law in Ontario. They work in a variety of settings, including home care, hospitals, clinics, private practices, government agencies, schools, and the food and pharmaceutical industries.

The Role of Dietitians in Home Care

In home care, dietitians collaborate with nurses, speech-language pathologists, personal support workers and other care providers to address clients’ nutritional needs helping them maintain independence and improve their quality of life. They support individuals of all ages with complex health conditions, those recovering from surgery or acute illness and older adults who require additional nutrition care.

Research shows that proper nutrition can reduce hospital readmissions and emergency department visits by lowering the risk of malnutrition in older adults. Good nutrition also plays a key role in preventing complications such as pressure ulcers, poor wound healing, infections and falls.

Home care dietitians provide a wide range of essential services, including:

• Personalized nutrition counselling and meal planning tailored to medical conditions and dietary needs.
• Assessment of diet and medication interactions to prevent adverse effects.
• Support for managing chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease.
• Guidance on enteral and parenteral nutrition, including tube feeding, intravenous nutrition and oral supplements.
• Strategies for safe swallowing and alternative feeding methods for clients with swallowing difficulties.
• Education on safe food storage and handling, label reading and meal preparation.
• Nutritional support to promote optimal growth in infants and young children.
• Connections to nutrition-related community resources to ensure ongoing support.

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“My VHA dietitian was incredibly generous with her time and always available to answer my questions. Her support not only eased my stress, but also gave me peace of mind knowing that my baby was well-nourished and able to meet his milestones.” – VHA Paediatric Client

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Meet Cali Guttman, Registered Dietitian & Paediatric Clinical Lead at VHA

For Cali Guttman, supporting clients in their homes is about more than just nutrition—it’s about making a lasting impact. “I love working with a variety of clients and seeing how small changes can have such a positive effect on their health,” she says.

One of Cali’s priorities is helping her clients set realistic goals that work in their daily lives. “What happens in the hospital is one thing, but implementing nutrition goals in the home is another challenge entirely,” she explains. “I love working with clients of all ages to make sure the plan is achievable. Supporting them with their questions and day-to-day concerns is something I am deeply passionate about.”

As Paediatric Clinical Lead at VHA, Cali is committed to expanding childhood nutrition services in home care. “I feel privileged to be in this role,” she says. “My intensive in-hospital training gave me the skills and experience to help grow the paediatric nutrition services offered by VHA, ensuring that children across Toronto receive adequate support in the home to achieve their nutrition goals.”

Through this work, Cali has also seen how dietetics as a practice continues to evolve. “There’s always something new to learn and that’s what keeps me so engaged in my field of work,” she says. “Advocating for my profession has always been important to me, and I’m committed to raising awareness of the essential role a dietitian can play—within our organization and across the healthcare system.”

How Can I Access Dietetic Services at VHA?

At VHA Home HealthCare, dietetic services at home and work are available in the Greater Toronto Area. Reach out to your local VHA office if you are interested in receiving support for you or a loved one.

Clients who are already receiving care from VHA may also purchase additional hours through VHA’s Purchased Services. Additional hours are not covered by Ontario Health atHome but can be used as a supplementary “top up” of regular, ongoing care. You may also have coverage through an extended benefit plan. VHA’s Enterprise Health Solutions team can help you to get the care you want. To purchase services or find out more, call 416-489-2500 ext. 4649 or email ehs@vha.ca to find out more.

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If you enjoyed this article, you may also want to read: 

• Healthy Weight Gain for Older Adults
• How to Integrate More Plant Based Foods Into Your Diet
• At Home with VHA: Cali Guttman, Inspiring Kids to Eat Better