Providing home-based services for the child with special health care needs presents unique challenges and opportunities for the pediatric registered dietitian (RD). From making the initial contact with parents and care providers, to scheduling follow-up visits,home visiting is an experience that is complex and rewarding but at times can be overwhelming and frustrating.
The purpose of this article is to discuss the various elements involved in home visiting. Helpful hints and guidelines are provided for working with families and other health care or educational service providers in a home-based situation. These hints and information will be useful for RDs currently involved in home visiting or considering a home visiting position, and for those in hospital settings who may work with community-based programs that provide services within the home.