Registered Dietitians: June 2008- Registered Dietitians (RDs) are health care professionals with a university degree in food science and nutrition, as well as post graduate internship training. They are uniquely qualified to practice dietetics and are regulated by law under a professional College. In LTC Homes, RDs play an expert role in the provision of high quality care for residents by promoting health and well-being through food and nutrition. RDs have the expertise and qualifications to assess nutrition status, determine nutrition risk levels, establish care plans and evaluate health outcomes. As residents, family members or caregivers, you will most often see Dietitians observing in the dining room and working with residents to determine which diet, texture of food, types of beverages, and feeding assistance (if needed) will support residents' health and well-being. The RD visits each resident when he/she moves into their new home to discuss any concerns or questions about meals, diet and special dietary needs and to provide suggestions about the type of nutrition care he/she feels would improve or maintain the resident's health, comfort, well being and independence in dining. The Dietitian strives to provide nutrition care in a liberalized manner, allowing as much variety and choice as possible in order to enhance each resident's enjoyment of the meals. Behind the scenes, the Dietitian also works with the Nutrition Manager to ensure that the home's menu meets Canada 's Food Guide and provides the therapeutic and food texture modifications that meet the unique nutrition and hydration requirements of each resident in the home. The RD works closely with residents who are at increased nutrition risk and provides ongoing support and education to residents, family and the care team about ways of managing these risks. Today, most residents who are admitted to LTC Homes are increasingly frail, with complex medical conditions that require nutrition interventions. Residents, their families and caregivers frequently have many questions and concerns. To help address these, we have created a series of information pamphlets about some of the issues most commonly seen by RDs working with residents. Information Pamphlets for Residents, Families and Caregivers• Nutrition and Palliative Care—The Goal…Comfort Care To order, contact Christine Barker at: cbarker@rogers.com or (519) 433-4937 Submitted by |