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

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.

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.