Nursing Homes - Understanding The Dietitians Role

In this part of the series "understanding nursing homes" we look at the nursing home dietitian. When thinking about staff in the nursing home, dietitian may by the last profession one would think of. Fact is, federal medicare regulations mandate that a facility employ a registered dietitian.

Whether a nursing home resident is admitted for short term or long term care, the dietitian plays a vital role in a patients care. They not only evaluate the overall menu, they also monitor the nutritional needs for at risk residents. These residents could be at risk for skin breakdown leading to decubitus ulcers, weight loss, dehydration or diabetes. The Dietitian also monitors other residents to watch for developing risk factors.

The Dietitian interacts with nursing home residents in a number of different ways:

1. Part of the Clinical Care Team - The Dietitian works with the other clinicians to treat wounds, diabetes and dehydration all of which commonly occur in long term care residents. They do this by evaluating the daily food intake of the resident and then use mathematical calculalions to determine the appropriate diet. Dietitians may change diets for these residents to add more proteins, adjust the amount of water they receive or other interventions. After calculating the appropriate diet, they make recommendations to the physician so he may write a dietary order. The dietary orders are then evaluated with other medical data on a routine basis to determine whether they are an effective part of the overall treatment. The dietitian must then document the progress of the treatment in the medical record.

2. Evaluates Overall Menu - Ever wonder how they come up with a menu for an entire month? The dietitian plays major role in developing a nursing homes menu. They evaluate the amount of proteins, vitamins and fibers available in each menu item and using federal guidelines, makes recommendations to the dietary director.

3. Supervision of Staff - In most facilities, the dietitian plays a role in managing the kitchen staff. They often monitor food for quality and temperature and help the facility maintain infection control standards. As a key member of the food service team, the dietitian greatly effects the quality of food being served in the nursing center.

A Dietitian is a bachelors level professional and often registered by the state in which they practice. They are employed by nursing homes but also work in schools, prisons and other institutional settings. They receive special training in proper nutritional and how nutrition effects various disease processes. Mathematics is a major part of a dietitians job as they must make proper recommnedations by using a set of specific data based on the patients metabolic processes. Follow the links with more information about dietitians and how to become one.

Dietitians are one of many healthcare professionals you will find working in the nursing home. By understanding the responsibilities of those caring for your loved one in the nursing center, you can help the staff achieve better outcomes through communication and accountability.

The next time you have a question about something on the meal tray for your family member, ask the dietitian. You will get better results and have a chance to build a relationship with another of your loved one's care givers.