We don’t work in a facility, we work in their home. Phrases like “culture change” and “resident centered living” have been popping up in meetings, newsletter, and research regarding how we manage long term care facilities. What do all of these words mean and why all of this change now? …

Food Safety and Sanitation Training in Long Term Care


With recent requirements in the state of Illinois and others, that an employee with Sanitation Certification Training—in Illinois, the Food Service Sanitation Manager Certification (FSSMC)—be on duty in a Category 1 or “High Risk” facility whenever food…

Making Your Facility Feel Like ‘Home’

Food is an important part of our everyday lives. It’s not just about nutrition and hydration. Food is about psychological, ethnic, cultural and religious issues. Food is about socialization. Because of this, facilities that don’t have a good dining program, that…

As the holidays approach we like to celebrate by entertaining friends and family, throwing parties, and preparing feasts. From the buffet table to the office party, food moves center stage throughout the holiday season. Food safety is the most important ingredient in preparing food for the holidays. Be sure to…

Is snacking beneficial to older Americans?


As we age it has been shown that there is a reduction in energy intakes. The decreased intake is most likely due to physiological, psychological, economic and social factors. Altered taste and flavor sensations are what can account for the…

Proper Feeding TechniquesLong-term care residents should be encouraged to maintain their independence and feed themselves whenever possible. However, there are many reasons why a patient may require feeding assistance.  Physical problems (for example, being unable to hold a fork, tremors that prevent getting spoon to mouth, etc) or cognitive problems…

Protein Intake and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in the Elderly Resident

Can there be too much protein?

It has long been recognized that adequate protein intake is needed throughout the life cycle and a necessary nutrient in tissue building and repair. For residents in…

Liberalized Renal Diets in Long-Term Care FacilitiesThe American Dietetic Association recommends that long-term care facilities liberalize therapeutic diets to maximize meal intake of residents who are at nutritional risk. In many cases a regular diet improves meal intake, minimizes struggles over dietary compliance, and improves a patient’s quality of life. …

Restorative Dining Programs can Improve Outcomes, Promote Well-being, Reduce Risk, and Boost Payment

All people involved in the caregiving process must be focused on the purpose of caregiving in the broadest sense to help the resident be as comfortable and functional for as long as possible. Restorative programs…

CDC Announces Updated Guidelines for Isolation Precautions

Preventing transmission of infectious agents in healthcare settings 2007

The Guideline for Isolation Precautions: Preventing Transmission of Infectious Agents in Healthcare Settings 2007 updates and expands the 1996 Guideline for Isolation Precautions in Hospitals. The transition of healthcare…