Specialised & Therapeutic Diets

Supporting Clinical Needs Through Tailored Nutrition

As we age, our nutritional needs evolve. Managing chronic conditions, supporting wound healing, and maintaining weight and muscle mass often require specialised therapeutic diets. In residential aged care, it’s essential that these diets are delivered consistently, appropriately, and in a way that still supports enjoyment and dignity at mealtimes.

Optimum Intake Dietitians are here to help.

What Is a Therapeutic Diet?

A therapeutic diet is a modified meal plan designed to treat a medical condition, support recovery, or manage symptoms. One of the most common in aged care is the High Energy High Protein (HEHP) diet, often prescribed to address unintentional weight loss or malnutrition. But how this looks in practice can vary and that’s where our dietitians step in.

We provide clear, evidence-based guidance to ensure clinical needs are met without compromising taste, presentation, or mealtime enjoyment.

How We Support Your Facility

Optimum Intake Dietitians partner with your clinical and catering teams to:

  • Assess the need for therapeutic diets based on individual medical conditions and preferences

  • Translate dietary recommendations into practical kitchen protocols and menu plans

  • Review and implement facility-wide nutrition protocols to ensure consistency and compliance

  • Train staff on delivering special diets accurately and safely

  • Monitor residents on therapeutic diets to assess effectiveness, tolerance, and satisfaction

We take the guesswork out of therapeutic nutrition—ensuring residents receive the care they need and your team feels confident in delivering it.

Common Therapeutic Diets We Support

  • High Energy High Protein (HEHP) – for weight loss, wound healing, frailty or malnutrition

  • Diabetic Diets – to support blood sugar management while still allowing flexibility and enjoyment

  • Low Fat Diets – often used in pancreatic, gallbladder, or liver conditions

  • High Fibre Diets – for constipation management or bowel health

  • Texture Modified Diets (IDDSI) – for dysphagia management, in collaboration with speech pathologists

  • Gluten-Free / Dairy-Free Diets – for allergies, coeliac disease or intolerances

  • Renal Diets – to support fluid and electrolyte balance in kidney conditions

  • Culturally Appropriate Therapeutic Adaptations – to honour resident identity and preferences

If you’re unsure how to implement or adapt any of these diets, we’re here to guide you.

Aligned With Aged Care Quality Standards

Our therapeutic diet support ensures compliance with:

  • Standard 3: The Care – Managing clinical risks through diet

  • Standard 6: Food and Nutrition – Ensuring food is appropriate for each person’s needs

  • Standard 1: The Person – Respecting individual preferences, choices, and dignity

Let us take the stress out of dietary adjustments.
Whether you need help with protocols, meal plans, or day-to-day delivery of special diets, Optimum Intake Dietitians are here to support you with clarity, compassion, and expertise.