Seniors commonly experience nutritional problems in senior care including undernutrition, malnutrition and weight loss. Nutrition is by far, one of the most important components of care and is critical to overall health and well-being. Seniors may not consume enough protein or calories, take medications and have chronic health conditions that may interfere with appetite. How can clinical staff enhance nutritional status in senior care communities?
The Food Pyramid for Older Adults
Sometimes, it’s good to go back to the basics. Thanks to The Gerald and Dorothy Friedman School of Nutritional Science and Policy, we have the Food Pyramid for Older Adults to guide us.
Fluids
In it, water and liquids are on top of the pyramid and it suggests that 8 or more servings per day, including fruit or vegetable juice, low and nonfat milk and soup are provided to older adults.
Grains, Vegetables and Fruits
Six or more servings of whole enriched and fortified grains and cereals are recommended including brown rice, 100% whole wheat bread and bran cereals. Older adults should be served at least 3 portions of brightly-colored vegetables and 2 or more servings of deep-colored fruits daily.
Dairy
Three or more servings of low and nonfat dairy products, and two or more servings of dry beans, nuts, fish, poultry, lean meat and eggs should also be on the daily menu. The School recommends that care facility dietary departments use saturated and trans-fat, sugar and salt sparingly.
Supplements
Special supplements may be needed for certain seniors containing calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B-12. A typical plate of food in a senior care facility should contain a protein, grains, fruits, vegetables and dairy.
What if the Senior Requires Assistance During Meals?
Dietary and direct care staff should pay attention to their resident’s preferences and personal habits during meal times. It is important to allow the resident to eat at his or her own pace and not to rush them. This may make the meal unpleasant and create choking risks.
Staff can help to keep the meal experience interesting and interactive. Maintaining a conversation with the resident is a good idea and remember to talk with them, not just coworkers. Conversation is one part of maintaining a pleasant environment during meals.
Staff should maintain good table and meal manners. Use napkins and utensils properly. It may be a good idea to group residents together who get along, have relationships or enjoy one another’s company.
If meals are refused, consult the dietitian. Perhaps a swallowing evaluation is necessary. Pay close attention to any swallowing problems and then report them to the dietitian, who may also get the speech therapist involved. Observe for pocketing of food or forgetting to swallow.
Final Thoughts on Improving Nutritional Status in Senior Care
Eating is one of the last pleasures that seniors experience later in life and meal time should be a good experience. Staff should interact, take interest in and encourage the senior to eat well and maintain good health. The Food Pyramid for Older Adults is a good resource to use, because it reminds us to go back to the basics for good nutrition.
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