Proper Nutrition Crucial for Seniors in Assisted Living Facilities, Says Dietitian

As you get older, have you been paying attention to your diet and nutrition? How about your older parents? According to Lindsay Scaringella, registered dietitian (RD) and licensed nutritionist at CareOne, proper nutrition is a cornerstone of good health and well-being, especially for older adults residing in assisted living facilities. A balanced diet can help seniors minimize chronic disease risks, maintain a healthy weight, and improve their overall quality of life.

"As we age, our risk of developing chronic diseases increases," Scaringella explains. 

Proper nutrition can help minimize these risks and help prevent mortality. Maintaining a nutrient-dense diet should include a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, and healthy fats.

Older Adults Face Many Nutritional Challenges

Seniors in assisted living facilities often face unique nutritional challenges. Scaringella highlights some of the most common issues, including:

• Decreased thirst:  Seniors may become less sensitive to thirst cues, leading to dehydration. Scaringella recommends offering fluids throughout the day and encouraging water consumption. Low-sugar beverages can be offered as alternatives, but water remains the best option.
• Loss of appetite: Certain foods may lose appeal due to changes in taste and smell. Scaringella suggests smaller, more frequent meals and incorporating oral nutritional supplements if needed to combat this. Creating a pleasant dining atmosphere and encouraging social interaction during meals can also stimulate appetite.
• Difficulty chewing and swallowing (dysphagia):  This condition can arise from various health issues. The RD and Speech Language Pathologist work together to assess swallow function and adjust food textures accordingly to ensure safe consumption.

A major focus is avoiding dehydration. Since some older adults don't consume enough liquids, long-term care facilities like assisted living must ensure residents get enough. Scaringella says individuals over 60 should consume 25-30ml fluids per kg of body weight daily. 

Providing encouragement throughout the day and keeping water by the patient's bedside can help. Offering other low-sugar beverages like diet cranberry, diet ginger ale, or low-fat milk can be a good alternative to making sure the patient is getting in fluids. However, water is always the best option.

Ensuring a Proper Diet in Assisted Living

If you have an aging parent, their diet can greatly affect their overall health and well-being. 

As we age, our risk of developing chronic diseases increases. Proper nutrition can help minimize these risks and help prevent mortality. Maintaining a nutrient-dense diet should include a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, and healthy fats.

Assisted living facilities can address these challenges through creative strategies, as Scaringella outlines:

• Menu planning:  Varying textures, incorporating familiar comfort foods with healthy modifications, and offering resident preferences are all important aspects.
• Dietary considerations: Specific diets are crucial for residents with chronic conditions. Scaringella mentions low-sodium options for heart health, carb-controlled diets for diabetes management, and renal diets for those with kidney disease.

Nutritional needs also change with age. Scaringella highlights some key considerations for assisted living facilities:

• Increased protein needs:  Muscle loss is a concern for seniors. Offering protein sources at each meal and encouraging higher protein intake is essential.
• Calcium and Vitamin D supplementation:  These nutrients work together to promote bone health and prevent osteoporosis, a common risk factor for fractures in older adults.

Hydration is another vital aspect of senior health. As Scaringella previously noted, encouraging fluid intake throughout the day and offering a variety of beverages is crucial to prevent dehydration.

Creating a Positive Dining Experience

Beyond just nutrition, Scaringella emphasizes the importance of creating a pleasurable dining experience for residents. 

Making mealtimes enjoyable can help increase a patient's appetite and meal intake. Encouraging family members to bring in homemade foods or join their loved ones for lunch or dinner is always welcomed. Assisted living facilities often give residents the option to eat outside of their rooms and use this time as a social hour to connect with others.

This can be achieved through:

• Social interaction:  Encouraging residents to dine together in common areas fosters socialization and improves meal enjoyment.
• Presentation:  Appealing food presentation can stimulate the appetite.
• Themed meals:  Special events and themed meals can create a sense of excitement and encourage participation.

Staff and Family Roles

Staff plays a critical role in ensuring residents receive proper nutrition. Scaringella details this process:

• RD assessment:  Upon admission, the registered dietitian conducts a comprehensive nutritional evaluation to determine appropriate dietary needs based on allergies, restrictions, and medical conditions.
• Monitoring and assistance:  Nursing staff monitors food intake and documents consumption percentages. Occupational therapists can assist residents with feeding difficulties.

Families can also contribute significantly to their loved ones' well-being. Scaringella offers valuable advice:

• Communication:  Sharing information about the resident's food preferences and dietary habits at home helps staff personalize meal plans.
• Choosing a facility:  When selecting an assisted living facility, inquire about the approach to nutrition and the presence of a registered dietitian on staff. Facilities offering therapeutic diets aligned with specific medical conditions are a plus.

Resources for Families and Caregivers

Scaringella recommends these resources for families and caregivers seeking more information on senior nutrition:

• U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

By prioritizing proper nutrition and creating a positive dining environment, assisted living facilities can significantly improve the health and well-being of their residents.

Quality care, be it at home, in a senior community, in assisted living or memory care, or in a nursing home, will improve the overall quality of life for older adults.

Finding quality care can be challenging. The LTC NEWS Caregiver Directory is the largest free database in the United States, and it allows you to search for caregivers, senior communities, and long-term care facilities. 

• LTC NEWS Long-Term Care Directory | Search for Quality Care Services Near You

Quality long-term care is costly; however, there are ways to ensure quality care when needed years from now. Long-Term Care Insurance has become a big part of retirement planning, so you have guaranteed tax-free funds to pay for the quality care you deserve without damaging assets or burdening loved ones. 

• What is Long-Term Care Insurance? What Does It Cover?

Planning is always a good idea. Paying attention to your diet is something you can start doing when you're younger and not wait until you live in an assisted living facility.