Long Term Care RD

Long Term Care RD

di Michelle Saari, MS RD
Salute & BenessereNutrizione
Stagione 1

Protein Goals for Seniors - You're Going Too Low!

How Much Protein Do Seniors ACTUALLY Need? (You're Probably Not Getting Enough) How much protein do you really need after 65? If you think the answer is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight, you may be surprised. For years, the standard protein recommendation has been 0.8 grams per kilogram per day. But for many older adults, that amount may be enough to prevent deficiency without necessarily being the ideal amount for supporting muscle health, strength, mobility, and recovery. In this video, I break down what older adults need to know about protein, why your protein needs may change as you age, and simple ways to get more protein into your day without completely overhauling your diet. In this video, you'll learn: • How much protein many adults over 65 should aim for • Why the standard protein RDA may not be the ideal target for healthy aging • What anabolic resistance is and why muscles become less responsive to protein as we age • How protein helps support muscle mass, strength, mobility, and independence • What sarcopenia is and why muscle loss becomes more important with age • Why protein needs may increase during illness, injury, surgery, and recovery • Whether eating more protein is bad for your kidneys • Why people with kidney disease may need individualized protein recommendations • Why spreading protein throughout the day may be beneficial • Easy high-protein breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack ideas For many healthy adults over 65, expert groups recommend approximately 1.0 to 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. However, protein needs are individual and can vary based on factors such as health status, activity level, illness, recovery, kidney function, and overall nutrition needs. The good news? Getting enough protein doesn't have to mean eating chicken breast at every meal. Small changes, such as adding eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, beans, fish, tofu, or other protein-rich foods throughout the day, can help you get closer to your protein goals. The big takeaway: as we age, protecting our muscle becomes increasingly important. Getting enough protein and spreading it throughout the day can be one practical way to support strength, mobility, and healthy aging. Looking for more practical, evidence-informed nutrition information for older adults? Visit my website: https://longtermcarerd.com/ You'll find practical nutrition articles, healthy aging information, and resources designed to help older adults and caregivers better understand nutrition as we age. Are you a dietitian or healthcare professional working with older adults? Explore additional clinical resources, education, tools, and support at: https://clinicalnutritioncentral.com/ Medical Disclaimer: This video is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to provide individual medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information presented should not replace advice from your physician, Registered Dietitian, or other qualified healthcare professional. Protein needs vary based on your individual health, body size, activity level, medical conditions, kidney function, and current health status. If you have kidney disease or another medical condition, or are recovering from a serious illness or surgery, speak with your healthcare provider before making significant changes to your protein intake. Never make changes to your medical treatment plan based solely on information presented in this video. #SeniorNutrition #HealthyAging #ProteinForSeniors
S1 · E45
14 set 2026
9:30

A1C Targets for Seniors That You're Getting Wrong!

For years, people with diabetes have heard the same message: get your A1C as low as possible. Tighter blood sugar control is always better… right? Not necessarily. For many older adults, especially those living with multiple health conditions, frailty, cognitive changes, or functional limitations, aggressively lowering blood sugar can increase the risk of hypoglycemia. And in older adults, low blood sugar can have serious consequences, including confusion, weakness, dizziness, falls, hospitalization, and loss of independence. In this episode, we’re talking about why diabetes management changes as we age and why there is no single “perfect” A1C target for everyone. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why the traditional “lower is always better” approach doesn't apply to every older adult • Why current diabetes guidelines recommend individualized blood sugar and A1C targets • Why hypoglycemia can be particularly dangerous and harder to recognize in older adults • Common symptoms of low blood sugar that may look different with age • How low blood sugar can increase the risk of falls and other serious complications • Why a moderately higher A1C may actually be the safer choice for some older adults • Which older adults may benefit from more relaxed blood sugar targets • What questions to ask your healthcare provider about your personal diabetes goals The big takeaway? Good diabetes care isn't about chasing the lowest possible number. It's about finding the safest and most appropriate target for the individual sitting in front of you. If you're an older adult with diabetes or care for someone who is, this is a conversation worth having with your healthcare team. More Resources Looking for more practical, evidence-informed nutrition information for older adults? Visit my website: https://longtermcarerd.com/ You'll find articles, resources, and practical nutrition information focused on older adults and the healthcare professionals who care for them. Are you a dietitian or healthcare professional working with older adults? Explore additional clinical resources, education, tools, and support through Clinical Nutrition Central: https://clinicalnutritioncentral.com/ Medical Disclaimer This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to provide individual medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information discussed should not replace advice from your physician, dietitian, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare professional.
S1 · E44
7 set 2026
9:14

The #1 Mistake Killing Your Dementia Patient's Appetite (And It's Not the Food)

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 📌 Read the full article this episode is based on: https://longtermcarerd.com/the-1-mistake-people-make-with-dementia-nutrition/ 🌐 More resources for dementia nutrition: https://longtermcarerd.com 🎓 Dietitians — https://clinicalnutritioncentral.com
S1 · E43
31 ago 2026
11:49

Why Being Overweight Might Be the Healthiest After 65!

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. 📌 Read the full article this episode is based on: https://longtermcarerd.com/why-overwe... 🌐 More resources for senior nutrition: https://longtermcarerd.com Research referenced in this episode can be found at the link for the full article
S1 · E42
24 ago 2026
13:38

Top 5 Tricks to Stimulate Appetite in Seniors!

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 think Whether 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. 📌 Read the full article this episode is based on: https://longtermcarerd.com/stimulating-appetite-in-elderly/ 🌐 More resources for long-term care nutrition: https://longtermcarerd.com
S1 · E41
21 ago 2026
13:32

Being Survey Ready Isn't Rocket Science... It's These 5 Daily Habits That Will Make It Simple!

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 Episode High-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 Here Get 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. Remember You 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.
S1 · E40
17 ago 2026
15:36

You're Not a Bad Dietitian... Long Term Care is Just Hard!

You Asked, I Answered: 3 Questions LTC Dietitians Ask All the Time It’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: 🥗 A resident has lost weight but is still in the “normal” BMI range. Should I be concerned? ⚖️ How much weight loss is actually significant in an older adult? 🥤 What do you do when a resident refuses nutrition supplements but continues losing weight? We’ll talk through the clinical considerations, what I’m looking at as a dietitian, and some of the practical approaches you can use in your own practice. If you work with older adults, you know that nutrition care is rarely black and white. My goal with this podcast is to make those complicated, everyday clinical decisions a little easier—and to remind you that you don't have to figure everything out alone. Want more practical resources? Visit Long Term Care RD for free resources, clinical articles, practical tools, and education designed specifically for dietitians working with older adults. Looking for even more support? Clinical Nutrition Central is our membership community for clinical dietitians, with webinars, evidence summaries, cheat sheets, sample chart notes, care plans, new resources added regularly, and a community where you can get support from other dietitians. Thanks for listening—and if there’s a clinical question you’d like me to answer on a future episode, send it my way!
S1 · E39
11 ago 2026
18:04

Pressure Injury Through Nutrition: RD Tools for Wound Recovery

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.com Related 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
S1 · E38
10 mar 2026
27:08

Why We're Rethinking Tube Feeding for Patients with Dementia

Links mentioned in show: Membership Website Learn More At: https://clinicalnutritioncentral.com Research 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 conferences Ethical charting tips Practical alternatives: comfort-focused hand-feeding, high-calorie/protein oral strategies, and palliative approaches that honor dignity Perfect 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.
S1 · E37
27 feb 2026
25:30

Mastering PES Statements - Stop Overthinking & Start Charting Confidently

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.com Subscribe for more evidence-based LTC nutrition tips! Hosted by Michelle Saari, MS, RD—your go-to expert for senior nutrition.
S1 · E36
17 feb 2026
33:23
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