Job Description

Job Summary:

The Senior Dietitian specializing in geriatric care is responsible for overseeing the nutritional health and well-being of elderly residents within the assisted living facility. They develop and implement dietary plans, provide nutrition education, and collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to support optimal health outcomes and quality of life for older adults.

Key Responsibilities:

Nutritional Assessment and Planning:

Conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments of elderly residents to evaluate dietary intake, nutritional status, medical history, and individual nutritional needs.

Utilize standardized assessment tools and guidelines to identify nutritional deficiencies, food allergies, swallowing difficulties, and other dietary concerns common in geriatric populations.

Develop personalized dietary plans and interventions tailored to the specific health conditions, dietary preferences, and cultural backgrounds of residents, incorporating evidence-based nutrition guidelines and recommendations.

Menu Development and Meal Planning:

Collaborate with food service staff, chefs, and culinary teams to design and modify menus that meet the nutritional requirements and preferences of elderly residents, considering special dietary needs, texture modifications, and portion control.

Ensure that meals are nutritionally balanced, appealing, and culturally appropriate, with consideration for diverse dietary patterns, religious practices, and culinary traditions observed by residents.

Nutrition Education and Counselling:

Provide individualized nutrition counselling sessions to residents and their families, offering guidance on healthy eating habits, portion control, meal planning, and strategies for managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and dysphagia.

Conduct group educational sessions, cooking demonstrations, and workshops focused on topics related to nutrition, hydration, weight management, and age-related changes in metabolism and digestion.

Nutritional Support and Monitoring:

Monitor residents' nutritional intake, hydration status, and weight fluctuations regularly, collaborating with nursing staff, physicians, and allied health professionals to address nutritional concerns and optimize dietary management.

Provide recommendations for enteral nutrition, oral nutritional supplements, and dietary modifications as needed to support residents with swallowing disorders, malnutrition, or inadequate oral intake.

Evaluate the effectiveness of nutritional interventions, track residents' progress, and adjust dietary plans accordingly to achieve desired health outcomes and improve overall nutritional status.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration:

Work closely with interdisciplinary team members, including physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers, and recreational therapists, to develop integrated care plans and coordinate holistic support for residents' nutritional and dietary needs.

Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, care conferences, and resident care planning sessions to contribute expertise, share recommendations, and facilitate communication regarding nutritional management and dietary goals.

Quality Assurance and Compliance:

Ensure compliance with regulatory standards, dietary guidelines, and facility policies related to food safety, sanitation, meal preparation, and nutritional care within the assisted living environment.

Conduct regular audits, assessments, and quality improvement initiatives to monitor the nutritional quality of meals, resident satisfaction with dining services, and adherence to prescribed dietary restrictions.

Qualifications and Skills:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in nutrition, Dietetics, or related field from an accredited institution.

Registered Dietitian (RD) credential or equivalent licensure/certification as required by the state/province.

3- 6 Years of clinical experience working as a dietitian, with specialized expertise in geriatric nutrition and long-term care settings.

Advanced knowledge of nutritional requirements, dietary guidelines, and therapeutic diets commonly prescribed for older adults, including modified texture diets, low-sodium diets, and diabetic diets.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to educate, motivate, and empower residents, families, and staff members to make informed dietary choices and lifestyle changes.

Proficiency in conducting nutritional assessments, interpreting laboratory values, and developing individualized dietary plans based on comprehensive nutrition assessments.

Collaborative approach to interdisciplinary care, with the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and communicate nutrition-related information to other healthcare professionals and stakeholders.

Commitment to evidence-based practice, continuous learning, and professional development in the field of geriatric nutrition and dietetics.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Experience:

• total work: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person