Partner Sites:
Frazier Rehab Institute/
    Jewish Hospital

Clark Memorial Hospital

Floyd Memorial Hospital
    and Health Services

Learn more about SIRH and our unique partnership

Nutrition / Dietetics 

SIRH is dedicated to the total rehab care of adults and children with injury, illness or disability. A vital component of physical rehab is the successful management of an individual's nutritional status. The dietitian assists the medical staff as both a resource and by providing medical Nutrition Therapy for the patients at SIRH. 

The Registered Dietitian

The registered dietitian (RD) at SIRH is certified by the state of Indiana to practice Nutrition Therapy. Specialized education and training makes the registered dietitian uniquely qualified to recommend and implement appropriate Nutrition Therapy for patients of all ages. The promotion of health, prevention of disease and improved outcomes when recovering from illness and injury are of primary concern to the RD.

Inpatient Nutrition
Inpatients at SIRH may receive a specialized diet recommended by the RD to address medical or physical issues the patient is experiencing. For example, patients following cardiac surgeries may receive a "Healthy Heart" diet that is low in fat content. A "Consistent Carbohydrate" diet may be recommended for those patients with diabetes. Modified consistencies such as a "Puree" diet may be recommended for patients with difficulty swallowing or chewing, and a "Sodium Restricted" diet may be recommended for individuals who suffer hypertension. 

Nutritional Education
The RD provides ongoing education to both the inpatients and outpatients of SIRH. Formal classes are provided to inpatients following a Stroke as a component of the CVA program at SIRH. In addition, nutritional education is provided as a component of the outpatient Pulmonary Rehab Program on a monthly basis.

Components of Nutrition Therapy
Nutrition Therapy includes assessment of a patient's nutritional status and the impact on the patient's healing process. An RD will assess a patient for abnormal weight loss or gain, monitor changes in their appetite, assess food allergies or food intolerances, check for changes in the health of a patient's skin, bowels and/or swallowing status and analyze laboratory values. All of this information is crucial to successful nutritional management, and when properly controlled speeds the healing process.

Inpatients at SIRH receive a comprehensive assessment and re-evaluation as necessary to insure they are progressing to their fullest potential. Outpatient counseling is available for clients of any age to assist the patient in meeting the dietary recommendations made by the patient's physician.