I didn't really know what a dietitian did, so I decided to interview her find out a little more about Julie and her duties here.
Julie has always felt a connection with the elderly. She knew she wanted to work with them. Not long after receiving her master's degree in nutrition and dialectics, from Missouri State University, she got the job here. She has been at this facility for two years.
When a resident is admitted Julie does a nutritional assessment on them. This involves determining if a resident has any difficulty chewing or swallowing. They may have difficulty eating because they have dentures. The findings of the assessment let Julie know if a change in a resident's diet will make eating easier for them. She asks food preferences too.
Julie keeps track of the weight of all the residents. If a resident gains or loses weight too quickly, their weight is monitored more closely. If a resident has a feeding tube she monitors the feeding tube and makes nutritional suggestions. .The aides and nurses keep her informed.
If a resident has Alzheimer's Disease, they may become distracted during meals. In this case, Julie suggests redirecting them back to the meal through encouragement. If they are still not eating, she .suggests giving snacks or a dietary supplement.
Julie meets with dietitians from other facilities. The regional dietitian visits regularly to see how things are going.
Julie serves in the dining room. There are six dining rooms here. Julie used to have to oversee all of them. Now, that job has been given to someone else. Julie can devote her time to all of her other duties.
She is always available to residents. Just to talk or to listen to any concerns .regarding food.
Julie is always busy. Never bored. She wouldn't have it any other way.
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