For healthcare providers in Ireland, preparing for a HIQA inspection can be a demanding process. One of the national key standards in residential care settings is to ensure that each resident’s needs in relation to hydration and nutrition are met and meals and mealtimes are an enjoyable experience.
Dietitians play a critical role in supporting care teams, not only in delivering patient-centred nutritional care but also in demonstrating regulatory compliance. Whether you’re managing a nursing home, residential care service, or community healthcare setting, involving a registered dietitian early and consistently can positively impact both inspection outcomes and resident’s wellbeing.
In this blog, we explore the specific ways dietitians can support care homes and how their expertise aligns with the national care standards.
What is a HIQA Inspection and What Does It Involve?
HIQA (Health Information and Quality Authority) is the independent body responsible for ensuring that health and social care services in Ireland meet defined standards of safety, quality, and person-centered care.
A HIQA inspection assesses how well a service complies with national standards, including those related to food, nutrition, and hydration. Inspectors review documentation, evaluate care practices, observe mealtimes, and speak with staff and residents to ensure that nutritional care is appropriate, respectful, and of high quality.
Key areas of focus include menu planning, staff training, resident involvement, and individualised care planning and creating an enjoyable experience for each resident— which is where a dietitian’s guidance can make a real difference.
5 Key Ways a Dietitian Supports HIQA Compliance
1. Meeting HIQA’s National Standards for Residential Care Settings in Ireland
- Aligning care with HIQA’s requirements for person-centered, safe, and responsive nutritional support.
- Dietitians support services and implement the nutrition related aspects of the national standards effectively across their care home to provide the highest quality care for each resident.
2. Clinical Assessments & Care Planning
- Regular nutritional screening is fundamental for identification of residents who are at risk, or who are malnourished. Referral and access to a dietitian is essential for both prevention and treatment of malnutrition.
- Completion of individualised nutritional assessments and tailored care plans to meet the nutritional needs of the resident.
- Delivering care to residents with complex nutritional needs (e.g. malnutrition, dysphagia, diabetes).
3. Audit-Ready Documentation & Evidence
- Ensuring an evidence-based treatment approach for each resident alongside ensuring accurate recording of nutritional reviews and agreed dietary plans.
- Supporting services in compiling evidence for inspections and quality improvement.
4. Staff Training & Education
- Dietitians can support staff training in correct use of screening tools (like MUST), therapeutic diets, and safe food practices.
- Boosting staff confidence and competence in nutrition-related care.
5. Menu Reviews & Mealtime Improvements
- Collaborating with catering teams to develop balanced, resident-appropriate menus.
- Supporting food presentation, choice, and enjoyment—all key to improving each resident’s health and wellbeing.
How We Can Help
At Spectrum Health we have a team of Specialised Dietitians who have a wealth of experience supporting care homes across Ireland. We work closely with each care home to deliver a high-quality, tailored service that puts residents’ wellbeing at the centre of everything we do.
Whether you need assistance with nutritional assessments, staff training, menu planning, or preparing documentation for inspection, we’re here to help. Our goal is to make sure your team feels confident and supported before, during, and after a HIQA inspection.
Here’s what one care home had to say about working with us:
“We were very happy with the dietitian service Spectrum Health provided. It was professional, supportive, and tailored to our residents’ needs. We would absolutely use Spectrum Health again and would have no hesitation in recommending their service to other providers.”
Get in touch today to learn how our specialised dietetic services can support your team ahead of your next HIQA inspection.
