Geriatrics, being one
of the fastest growing areas in dietetics, has always attracted me. My personal
experiences and recent projects with older adults excited me to undertake the
rotation at the long term care facility. Though a slow paced environment,
SNF is nonetheless complex when care of residents, suffering from debility and dementia, is
involved.
Using my knowledge and
expertise, I tried my best to improve the diets and the quality of lives of the residents. I felt accomplished
when the residents provided me positive compliments and gratitude. I felt
proficient with my interviewing skills, when I had to counsel gloomy residents
who, at the end of the visit, looked forward to seeing me again.
Following are some highlights of my rotation at LTC.
- Conducted screenings,
initial assessments and follow ups and documented the findings.
- Recommended nutritional
supplements, snacks and tube feeding.
- Diet modifications based on
the nutritional needs of the SNF residents.
- Participated in care plan
meetings for the SNF residents.
- Participated in family
conferences, discharge and palliative care meetings.
- Attended a resident council
meeting for nutrition education and social work sessions.
- Attended multidisciplinary
weight and skin audit meetings.
- Conducted meal carts/trays
delivery audit on four units.
- Conducted nutrition
education class with healthful foods demonstration and distributed handouts.
