Older Adult to Geriatric Nutrition Answers

Struggling to get someone with dementia to eat even when you're making all their favorite meals? You're not making a mistake with the food. You're likely making the #1 mistake almost every caregiver makes: focusing on nutrition quality instead of the eating experience. In this episode, I'm breaking down why "perfect" nutrition can actually backfire in dementia care, and walking through what actually works instead simplifying food for easier eating, building a calmer mealtime routine, adapting to changing taste preferences, and shifting from forcing food to encouraging it. Whether you're caring for a parent or spouse with dementia, or you're a dietitian working with this population professionally, this episode will change how you think about mealtimes. You'll learn: ✅ The #1 mistake almost everyone makes with dementia nutrition ✅ Why a "perfectly balanced" meal can still fail completely ✅ How finger foods and soft textures reduce mealtime frustration ✅ Simple environment tweaks (plate color, distractions, timing) that make a big difference ✅ Why sweet cravings develop in dementia — and how to work with them, not against them ✅ How to shift from forcing food to encouraging it

Why a “Normal” BMI May Not Be Healthy After 65 | The Truth About BMI in Older Adults If you're over 65, the BMI chart you've been using your entire life may not tell the whole story. We've all been taught that a “normal” BMI falls between 18.5 and 24.9. But when it comes to older adults, research tells a different story. In fact, a BMI between approximately 23.0 and 29.9 may be associated with better outcomes for many adults over 65. So why does the healthy BMI range appear to shift as we age? In this episode, I break down the research behind BMI in older adults and explain why being classified as “overweight” on a standard BMI chart does not necessarily mean an older adult should lose weight. We discuss the importance of nutritional reserves, muscle mass, frailty, unintentional weight loss, falls, recovery from illness, and why looking at the number on the scale alone can be misleading. Whether you're an older adult, caring for an aging parent, or a dietitian working with older adults, this episode will help you better understand how BMI should be interpreted later in life. If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and share it with someone who cares for older adults, works in clinical nutrition, or has questions about healthy weight and aging. I'm Michelle Saari, MS, RD, a dietitian specializing in geriatric nutrition and helping dietitians better care for older adults. Here, we talk about the practical side of nutrition, aging, long-term care, and clinical nutrition so you can feel more confident supporting older adults.

Struggling to get an elderly parent, grandparent, or resident to eat? You're not alone — appetite loss in older adults is one of the most common (and most stressful) challenges in senior care. In this episode, we break down the real causes of appetite loss in the elderly — from medical changes and sensory decline to dementia, dental issues, depression, and medication side effects — and then walk through 5 practical, dietitian-backed tricks to help stimulate appetite and increase intake.You'll learn: ✅ The 6 most common causes of appetite loss in seniors ✅ How to fortify food to pack in more calories without more volume ✅ The right (and wrong) way to time nutritional supplement drinks ✅ Why finger foods can be a game-changer for dementia patients ✅ How to build individualized snacks that seniors actually want to eat ✅ Why flexibility and meal frequency matter more than you'd thinkWhether you're a caregiver, a family member, or you work in long-term care, this episode gives you actionable steps you can start using today.

If the thought of a state survey or audit makes you want to panic and start reviewing every chart you've touched for the last six months, you're not alone!Being surveyed can feel intimidating, but here's the good news: you don't become survey ready the week before survey.You become survey ready by consistently doing the things you already know how to do as a dietitian.Following the Nutrition Care Process. Keeping up with your residents. Documenting your clinical reasoning. Following up on interventions. Keeping care plans current.In this episode, I'm breaking down 5 simple daily habits that can help you stay survey-ready without spending hours preparing for survey.You just need good systems and consistent habits.And if you're newer to long term care and want a walkthrough of what the survey and audit process looks like for dietitians, I have a webinar and ebook that will walk you through what surveyors are looking for, what your role is, and how to feel more confident going into the process.The resource is available on Long Term Care RD and inside the Clinical Nutrition Central membership, where members can access it at a discounted rate.Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeHigh-Risk Resident Tracking Spreadsheet Use a system to keep your high-risk residents, follow-ups, and nutrition concerns organized so nothing falls through the cracks.Dietitian's Role in State Surveys: How to Stay Ready Every Day Webinar & eBook HereGet the free walkthrough here: https://longtermcarerd.com/dietitians-role-in-state-surveys-how-to-stay-ready-every-day/Clinical Nutrition Central Membership Access additional resources, webinars, ebooks, clinical tools, and support for dietitians working with older adults.RememberYou don't become survey-ready the week before survey.You become survey-ready through the small clinical and documentation habits you practice every day.Follow the Nutrition Care Process. Know your high-risk residents. Follow up. Keep your care plans current. Document your clinical reasoning.And you'll be much more prepared than you think.

You Asked, I Answered: 3 Questions LTC Dietitians Ask All the TimeIt's been a little while since I've recorded a podcast episode—and I'm so happy to be back!For this episode, I'm answering three real-world questions that come up for dietitians working with older adults and in long-term care.These aren't textbook questions. They're the kinds of situations that make you stop and think, “Okay…what do I actually do with this resident?”In this episode, we're talking about:

Episode Overview: In this practical episode of the Long Term Care RD podcast, Michelle breaks down a real-world sample nutrition care plan for a resident with a stage 3 pressure injury. Drawing from over a decade in SNFs, we cover the Nutrition Care Process step-by-step, MDS requirements, and tips to make your documentation survey-ready while supporting better healing for your older adults. Whether you're juggling MDS deadlines or looking for quick interventions to boost protein intake, this episode is designed to save you time and build your confidence in geriatric wound care.Key Takeaways:How to craft a specific Nutrition Diagnosis (PES statement) for increased protein/energy needs tied to wounds.Setting measurable goals for healing, weight maintenance, and intake — with geriatric nuances like potential weight gain.Multi-layered interventions: From fortified foods and ONS to interdisciplinary referrals (e.g., OT for positioning).Monitoring strategies to stay proactive on quality measures and prevent burnout.A ready-to-adapt sample chart note in SOAP format for your own residents.Resources Mentioned:Downloadable Your FREE RD Starter Kit!: Grab the full example we discussed, including the resident briefing, NCP details, MDS section, and chart note. Available as a free teaser on https://fantastic-frost-95925.myflodesk.com/ggnskwevs8 — perfect for quick reference in your facility.Full Wound Healing Toolkit in Clinical Nutrition Central: For even more depth, join the membership to access downloadable templates for all wound stages, PES statement guides, charting libraries, monthly updates on CMS regs/PDPM, and a community forum for LTC RDs. Designed by someone who's been in your shoes, for RDs working with older adults. Check it out at https://clinicalnutritioncentral.comRelated Blog Post: "Wound Care Dietitian - Step by Step Practical Advice" — Read it free at https://longtermcarerd.com/wound-care-the-dietitians-role2/.Thanks for Listening! If this episode helped you feel a bit more equipped for those wound care challenges, share it with a fellow RD and subscribe for more practical geriatric nutrition tips. Got questions or episode ideas? Drop a comment on the blog or join us in Clinical Nutrition Central. You've got this — let's keep supporting our seniors together.Hosted by Michelle Saari, MS, RD LongTermCareRD.com | ClinicalNutritionCentral.com

Links mentioned in show:Membership Website Learn More At: https://clinicalnutritioncentral.comResearch Article: https://longtermcarerd.com/research-tube-feeding/In long term care, few topics spark more debate than tube feeding (PEG tubes) for residents with advanced dementia. Families often push for it out of fear and love, physicians may default to it, but what does the latest evidence actually say?In this episode, Michelle Saari, MS, RD breaks down recent research including eye opening 2025-2026 reviews showing tube feeding frequently brings more burden than benefit. We'll cover why tubes don't meaningfully extend survival, improve nutrition, or prevent complications like aspiration pneumonia or pressure ulcers... and often add risks like infections, restraints, and reduced quality of life.You'll walk away with:Key stats and myths to bust in care conferencesEthical charting tips Practical alternatives: comfort-focused hand-feeding, high-calorie/protein oral strategies, and palliative approaches that honor dignityPerfect for RDs navigating these tough cases weekly. Ready to advocate more confidently?Listen now and check the show notes for links to Michelle's blog post ("New Research Explores Tube Feeding in Advanced Dementia: More Burden Than Benefit?") and free resources at longtermcarerd.com.If you're loving these practical tips, rate/review the podcast and join Clinical Nutrition Central for monthly support and tools tailored to LTC dietitians.

Struggling with PES statements for unintentional weight loss, malnutrition, or geriatric challenges in LTC/SNF? In this episode, Michelle Saari, MS, RD breaks down common pitfalls, shares a simple step-by-step framework, provides 15 real-world examples tailored to seniors, and offers mindset tips to stop overthinking. Discover practical goals, interventions (like fortification, adaptive feeding, and between-meal supplements), and monitoring plans used daily in long-term care.Get started with the free PES guide at https://longtermcarerd.com/Ready for more time-saving tools? Join Clinical Nutrition Central NOW for exclusive PES templates, cheat sheets, sample chart notes, webinars, and a private community—before prices increase on March 1, 2026! Current rates: $19.95/month or $199.95/year (2 months free on annual). Sign up at https://clinicalnutritioncentral.comSubscribe for more evidence-based LTC nutrition tips! Hosted by Michelle Saari, MS, RD—your go-to expert for senior nutrition.

If you're a dietitian working in long-term care, you already know…This job can feel isolating.You're often the only RD in the building. You're responsible for clinical decisions, survey readiness, documentation, high-risk monitoring, foodservice oversight — and somehow you're expected to just “figure it out.”And most of the time?You're doing it alone.In this episode, I'm sharing the story behind why I created Clinical Nutrition Central — the only membership platform built specifically for dietitians working in long-term care, skilled nursing, and nursing homes.This isn't just another CEU library.It's practical, real-world support with:✔ Exact wording for nutrition care plans ✔ Charting templates you can use immediately ✔ Survey & audit preparation guidance ✔ Documentation frameworks that show clinical reasoning ✔ High-risk tracking tools ✔ Step-by-step examples for real LTC scenarios ✔ A community of dietitians who understand this fieldMy mission is simple: To help dietitians feel less alone in practice — and more confident every single day.If you've ever second guessed your documentation… If you've ever rewritten a care plan 5 times… If you've ever felt unprepared when survey walked in…This episode is for you.⚠️ Important: Membership pricing increases on March 1. If you join before then, you lock in the current rate.This is your opportunity to become a founding member and grow with us as we build the largest and only comprehensive membership platform dedicated to LTC dietitians.You don't have to practice alone anymore.

Feeling overwhelmed as a new Registered Dietitian —or just tired of chaotic days even after years on the job? In this practical survival guide, Michelle Saari, MS, RD (with over 10+ years optimizing senior nutrition in skilled nursing and nursing homes), shares a realistic daily routine, mindset shifts, and proven hacks to prioritize residents, streamline charting, boost interdisciplinary teamwork, and prevent burnout.Whether you're fresh out of internship navigating your first facility or a veteran RD ready to reclaim your schedule, you'll walk away with actionable steps to run your day smarter: from morning stand-up triage to batching PES statements, quick NFPE rounds, protected lunch breaks, and boundary-setting tips.Episode Briefing + Links MentionedIntro & Why This Matters for LTC RDs Mindset Shift: Compassion + BoundariesFlexible Daily Routine FrameworkTop Time-Saving Hacks (Charting, Prioritization, Teamwork) Burnout PreventionQuick Wins Encouragement & Next StepsLink: Top 16 Time Saving Charting TipsReady to save hours weekly with ready-made tools? Join Clinical Nutrition Central at clinicalnutritioncentral.com ($19.95/month or $199.95/year—2 months free annually) for instant access to PES cheat sheets, resident trackers, evidence summaries, webinars, sample care plans, and a private community of fellow LTC RDs for fast peer support.Subscribe now, leave a review if this helps, and elevate your practice—one efficient day at a time!

Are you a Dietitian that wants to know more about exactly how to do the nutrition focused physical exam?In today's episode, Michelle breaks down exactly step by step how to perform the NFPE, the value of it, what to look for, and offers a free resource summary on what you need to look for.Help to improve your skills and feel more comfortable performing the NFPE after listening to today's episode!The following are links mentioned in today's episode: Step by step article on how to perform the NFPE along with a free resource!https://longtermcarerd.com/nutrition-focused-physical-exam/ Healing a pressure injury as a Dietitian online webinar:https://longtermcarerd.com/product/virtual-dietitian-meeting/Contact Michelle and get on the waitlist for the upcoming membership site by sending her an email at:info@longtermcarerd.com

In this episode of Long Term Care RD, Michelle talks about WHY nutrition interventions stop working, specifically when patients have Dementia. She also covers:The progressive nature of DementiaHow it affects nutritionWhat to monitor in the early, middle and late stagesNutrition interventions throughoutIf you want to sign up for the membership site waitlist, e-mail Michelle at info@longtermcarerd.com and let her know you want to be added to the waitlist!Links mentioned in today's episode:https://longtermcarerd.comhttps://longtermcarerd.com/ebooks/Follow along with Long Term Care RD on:Facebook and Instagram @longtermcarerdPinterest @longtermcarerd

What are you supposed to do when your nutrition interventions have all been tried and nothing is working anymore? How are Dietitians supposed to handle end of life? It's all in today's episode!If you want to be on the waitlist for our upcoming membership site, simply drop me an e-mail with your name at:info@longtermcarerd.comLinks mentioned in today's episode:https://longtermcarerd.com/end-of-life-a-dietitians-essential-education/https://longtermcarerd.com/product/end-of-life-nutrition/

Are you caring for someone with late stage dementia and they aren't eating? Are you unsure of what you should be doing?Then this is the episode for you! Find the balance between whether it's end of life or there are nutrition management tips that you can implement. Find the most effective tips in managing dementia and how to get them to eat again!Links mentioned in the show:https://longtermcarerd.com/product/long-term-care-dietitians-resource-bundle/https://longtermcarerd.com/late-stage-dementia-not-eating/https://longtermcarerd.com/high-energy-high-protein-diet/https://longtermcarerd.com/the-top-5-foods-a-dementia-patient-needs-to-eat/https://longtermcarerd.com/listoffingerfoodsfordementiapatients/

Find out how a Registered Dietitian recommends finding the delicate balance between Dementia and eating sweets. Do you give in and let them eat all the sweets they want? In this episode, a Dietitian dives into how to offer a balance in order to maintain health, reduce malnutrition, and still give healthy meals. Links mentioned in today's episode:https://longtermcarerd.com/dementia-and-eating-sweets/https://longtermcarerd.com/product/long-term-care-dietitians-reference-guide/https://longtermcarerd.com/category/dementia/

Are you a Dietitian that feels short on time?Do you wish you knew how to chart faster?Then you need the FREE Nutrition Care Process Form from Long Term Care RD and this episode will tell you exactly how to use it!Links mentioned in the show:https://longtermcarerd.com/nutrition-care-process-form/https://longtermcarerd.comhttps://longtermcarerd.com/product/long-term-care-dietitians-resource-bundle/

There's new research suggesting that Citrulline is a great wound healing alternative, but what exactly does it do?Why is there new research recommending it?Find out all the latest information and more!Links mentioned in today's episode:https://longtermcarerd.com/product/virtual-dietitian-meeting/https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/twc/utilizing-citrulline-efficient-arginine-supplement-wound-healinghttps://longtermcarerd.com/category/wounds/

Find all the links mentioned in today's episode:https://longtermcarerd.com/product/virtual-dietitian-meeting/https://longtermcarerd.com

Not sure what your role is on the wound care team as a Dieitian? Listen to today's podcast episode to find out how set up a system that includes you as a key role on the team!Links mentioned in today's episode:https://longtermcarerd.com/product/virtual-dietitian-meeting/https://longtermcarerd.com/category/blogs/https://longtermcarerd.com/category/wounds/

Learn all about when to use the nutrition diagnosis: Increased Nutrient Needs!Links mentioned in today's episode:https://longtermcarerd.com/product/virtual-dietitian-meeting/https://longtermcarerd.com/increased-nutrient-needs-pes-statement/https://longtermcarerd.com

Links mentioned in today's episode:https://longtermcarerd.com/pocketing-food/https://longtermcarerd.com/how-to-use-the-meal-observation-screen-form/https://longtermcarerd.com/product/long-term-care-dietitians-reference-guide/https://longtermcarerd.com/category/dysphagia/

Links mentioned in today's episode:https://longtermcarerd.com/product/virtual-dietitian-meeting/https://longtermcarerd.com/stimulating-appetite-in-elderly/https://longtermcarerd.com/ebooks/

Links mentioned in today's show:https://longtermcarerd.com/longtermcaredietitian/https://longtermcarerd.com/product/long-term-care-dietitians-reference-guide/

Links mentioned in the episode:https://longtermcarerd.com/product/elderly-depression-and-malnutrition-webinar/https://longtermcarerd.com/how-to-get-weights-done-in-your-ltc-nh-facility/

Links mentioned in the episode:https://longtermcarerd.com/constipation-care-plan/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4325863/https://longtermcarerd.com/ebooks/

Links from today's episode:https://longtermcarerd.com/product/elderly-depression-and-malnutrition-webinar/https://longtermcarerd.com/product/pocket-guide-for-dietitians-prepping-for-state-surveys/https://longtermcarerd.com/category/state-surveys/

Links mentioned in today's episode:https://longtermcarerd.com/state-surveys/https://longtermcarerd.com/product/long-term-care-dietitians-resource-bundle/https://thefitnessnutritionists.thinkific.com/courses/beasurveyreadyrdn?ref=3e8aae

Links mentioned in today's show notes:https://longtermcarerd.com/ebooks/https://longtermcarerd.com/product/long-term-care-dietitians-reference-guide/https://longtermcarerd.com

Today we discuss thickened liquids, does someone really need them? Are there any pros and cons?Find out more. Here are the links discussed in today's episode:https://longtermcarerd.com/pros-and-cons-of-thickened-liquids/https://longtermcarerd.com/product/long-term-care-dietitians-reference-guide/

Links mentioned in today's episode:https://longtermcarerd.com/adime/https://longtermcarerd.com/nutrition-diagnosis-examples/https://longtermcarerd.com/pes-statement-for-diabetes/

Links mentioned in today's episode:https://longtermcarerd.com/product/pocket-guide-for-dietitians-prepping-for-state-surveys/https://longtermcarerd.comhttps://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/wmp/nutrition-matters/wounds-versus-kidneys?fbclid=IwAR3Yyl327ldLEPp9PjIkKHqyKBLxECpjeyi6d4ueDc6XFFrdbyAkkgXojMg

Are you a new clinical dietitian? Be sure to check out the resources below!https://longtermcarerd.com/new-dietitian-training/https://longtermcarerd.com/ebooks/https://longtermcarerd.com

Links discussed in today's episode:https://longtermcarerd.com/vitamin-b12-benefits-for-elderly/https://longtermcarerd.com/product/long-term-care-dietitians-reference-guide/https://longtermcarerd.com/ebooks/

Geriatric Failure to Thrive (GFFT) is a condition that many Dietitian's have never heard of, yet it is far more common than we think.Explore in this episode the chronic condition, and how to solve it!Links mentioned in the episode:https://longtermcarerd.com/product/long-term-care-dietitians-reference-guide/https://longtermcarerd.com/failure-to-thrive/https://longtermcarerd.com/ebooks/

In today's episode we dive into the difficulties someone with Dementia has when it comes to eating and drinking.Listen today to find out the top 5 ways we can encourage them to eat and drink more!Mentioned links in the episode:https://longtermcarerd.com/dementia-patient/https://longtermcarerd.com/product/long-term-care-dietitians-reference-guide/https://longtermcarerd.com

Resources mentioned in today's episode:https://longtermcarerd.com/elderly-weight-loss/https://longtermcarerd.com/stimulating-appetite-in-elderly/https://longtermcarerd.com/liberalizing-diets/https://longtermcarerd.com/weight-loss/https://longtermcarerd.com/product/long-term-care-dietitians-reference-guide/https://longtermcarerd.com/ebooks/

Nutrition Care Plans can be the bane of a Dietitian's existence in Long Term Care. I break down exactly how you build a nutrition care plan, what goes into it, and give you lots of free resources! This episode is a must listen!Here's the links talked about in the show:https://longtermcarerd.com/product/long-term-care-dietitians-reference-guide/https://longtermcarerd.com/category/nutrition-care-plan-examples/

It's time that we asked the question... Who are the REAL nutrition experts?I'll give you a hint... It's not PhD's!Here are the mentioned links from today's episode:https://longtermcarerd.com/iddsidiet/https://longtermcarerd.comhttps://longtermcarerd.com/ebooks/

Today's episode tackles the tough topic of End of Life Nutrition: Inability to Swallow Issues. This can be a very difficult topic to discuss, but every Dietitian needs to be educated on how to manage it!The following links are from today's episode:https://longtermcarerd.com/end-of-life-inability-to-swallow-issue/https://longtermcarerd.com/product/end-of-life-nutrition/https://longtermcarerd.com/dietitian-audits-forms/

This episode covers the very important topic surrounding if a patient refuses a nutrition care plan, what is the Dietitian supposed to do?You can find all the resources listed in the episode at the following links:https://longtermcarerd.com/product/long-term-care-dietitians-reference-guide/https://longtermcarerd.com/nutrition-the-residents-right-to-choose-refuse-what-the-rd-needs-to-do/

Today's episode dives into the 4 major causes of weight loss in older adults.It covers how to find the root cause of weight loss because if you don't know the cause, you can't treat it properly.It also gives great tips on how to deal with the nutrition causes to prevent further weight loss and promote weight gain!References in the episode:The Long Term Care Dietitian's Reference Guide:https://longtermcarerd.com/product/long-term-care-dietitians-reference-guide/Article Link:https://longtermcarerd.com/weight-loss-in-elderly/

Do you know that Diet Liberalization is the number one thing that should be happening with the older adult to geriatric population?Listen to this episode to learn the WHY, HOW, and WHO of liberalizing diets in the elderly.Find more information at this article:https://longtermcarerd.com/liberalizing-diets/

For more information on Dementia and Nutrition, see our website at: https://longtermcarerd.com