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Discover the power of nutrition with the Long Term Care RD podcast—your go-to resource for Registered Dietitians thriving in skilled nursing, nursing homes, and long-term care or ANYONE working with older adults to seniors!
Hosted by Michelle Saari, MS, RD—a seasoned clinical dietitian with over a decade of experience optimizing nutrition for older adults—this podcast delivers practical, evidence-based strategies you can implement right away to improve resident outcomes and streamline your workflow.
Each episode breaks down real-world challenges in senior nutrition: from mastering the Nutrition Focused Physical Exam (NFPE) and writing bulletproof PES statements, to managing unintentional weight loss, dysphagia with IDDSI, pressure injuries/wound healing, frailty, sarcopenia, probiotics, dementia feeding strategies, end-of-life care, and more. You'll get actionable tips on assessments, interventions, charting hacks, interdisciplinary teamwork, survey prep, and avoiding burnout—tailored specifically for LTC and clinical RDs working with complex caseloads.
Whether you're a newer RD building confidence in long-term care or a veteran looking to save hours each week, tune in for:
- Step-by-step guidance and case examples from the trenches
- Summaries of the latest research and guidelines, translated into everyday practice
- Time-saving tools, templates, and quick wins
- Encouragement and community vibes for dietitians who often work solo
Episodes are concise, engaging, and perfect for commutes, rounds, or lunch breaks—because your time matters.
Ready for more support? Check out our membership website @ Clinical Nutrition Central (clinicalnutritioncentral.com), our membership site starting at just $19.95/month. Get instant access to exclusive cheat sheets, PES templates, evidence summaries, webinars, resident trackers, care plan samples, monthly new content, and a private community of fellow LTC RDs for peer support and fast answers.
Follow along at longtermcarerd.com, on Facebook/Instagram @longtermcarerd, and subscribe now to elevate your practice and make a real difference in residents' lives.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts!
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Listen now and transform your approach to long-term care nutrition!
Find more information at: https://longtermcarerd.com
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Contact Michelle via email: info@longtermcarerd.com
38 Episodes
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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.comRelated 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.comResearch 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 conferencesEthical charting tips Practical alternatives: comfort-focused hand-feeding, high-calorie/protein oral strategies, and palliative approaches that honor dignityPerfect 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.comSubscribe for more evidence-based LTC nutrition tips! Hosted by Michelle Saari, MS, RD—your go-to expert for senior nutrition.
If you’re a dietitian working in long-term care, you already know…This job can feel isolating.You’re often the only RD in the building. You’re responsible for clinical decisions, survey readiness, documentation, high-risk monitoring, foodservice oversight — and somehow you’re expected to just “figure it out.”And most of the time?You’re doing it alone.In this episode, I’m sharing the story behind why I created Clinical Nutrition Central — the only membership platform built specifically for dietitians working in long-term care, skilled nursing, and nursing homes.This isn’t just another CEU library.It’s practical, real-world support with:✔ Exact wording for nutrition care plans ✔ Charting templates you can use immediately ✔ Survey & audit preparation guidance ✔ Documentation frameworks that show clinical reasoning ✔ High-risk tracking tools ✔ Step-by-step examples for real LTC scenarios ✔ A community of dietitians who understand this fieldMy mission is simple: To help dietitians feel less alone in practice — and more confident every single day.If you’ve ever second guessed your documentation… If you’ve ever rewritten a care plan 5 times… If you’ve ever felt unprepared when survey walked in…This episode is for you.⚠️ Important: Membership pricing increases on March 1. If you join before then, you lock in the current rate.This is your opportunity to become a founding member and grow with us as we build the largest and only comprehensive membership platform dedicated to LTC dietitians.You don’t have to practice alone anymore.🔗 Links & Resources:👉 Join Clinical Nutrition Central (before March 1 pricing increase): https://clinicalnutritioncentral.com👉 Explore more LTC dietitian resources: https://longtermcarerd.com
Feeling overwhelmed as a new Registered Dietitian —or just tired of chaotic days even after years on the job? In this practical survival guide, Michelle Saari, MS, RD (with over 10+ years optimizing senior nutrition in skilled nursing and nursing homes), shares a realistic daily routine, mindset shifts, and proven hacks to prioritize residents, streamline charting, boost interdisciplinary teamwork, and prevent burnout.Whether you're fresh out of internship navigating your first facility or a veteran RD ready to reclaim your schedule, you'll walk away with actionable steps to run your day smarter: from morning stand-up triage to batching PES statements, quick NFPE rounds, protected lunch breaks, and boundary-setting tips.Episode Briefing + Links MentionedIntro & Why This Matters for LTC RDs Mindset Shift: Compassion + BoundariesFlexible Daily Routine FrameworkTop Time-Saving Hacks (Charting, Prioritization, Teamwork) Burnout PreventionQuick Wins Encouragement & Next StepsLink: Top 16 Time Saving Charting TipsReady to save hours weekly with ready-made tools? Join Clinical Nutrition Central at clinicalnutritioncentral.com ($19.95/month or $199.95/year—2 months free annually) for instant access to PES cheat sheets, resident trackers, evidence summaries, webinars, sample care plans, and a private community of fellow LTC RDs for fast peer support.Subscribe now, leave a review if this helps, and elevate your practice—one efficient day at a time!
Are you a Dietitian that wants to know more about exactly how to do the nutrition focused physical exam?In today's episode, Michelle breaks down exactly step by step how to perform the NFPE, the value of it, what to look for, and offers a free resource summary on what you need to look for.Help to improve your skills and feel more comfortable performing the NFPE after listening to today's episode!The following are links mentioned in today's episode: Step by step article on how to perform the NFPE along with a free resource!https://longtermcarerd.com/nutrition-focused-physical-exam/ Healing a pressure injury as a Dietitian online webinar:https://longtermcarerd.com/product/virtual-dietitian-meeting/Contact Michelle and get on the waitlist for the upcoming membership site by sending her an email at:info@longtermcarerd.com
In this episode of Long Term Care RD, Michelle talks about WHY nutrition interventions stop working, specifically when patients have Dementia. She also covers:The progressive nature of DementiaHow it affects nutritionWhat to monitor in the early, middle and late stagesNutrition interventions throughoutIf you want to sign up for the membership site waitlist, e-mail Michelle at info@longtermcarerd.com and let her know you want to be added to the waitlist!Links mentioned in today's episode:https://longtermcarerd.comhttps://longtermcarerd.com/ebooks/Follow along with Long Term Care RD on:Facebook and Instagram @longtermcarerdPinterest @longtermcarerd
What are you supposed to do when your nutrition interventions have all been tried and nothing is working anymore? How are Dietitians supposed to handle end of life? It's all in today's episode!If you want to be on the waitlist for our upcoming membership site, simply drop me an e-mail with your name at:info@longtermcarerd.comLinks mentioned in today's episode:https://longtermcarerd.com/end-of-life-a-dietitians-essential-education/https://longtermcarerd.com/product/end-of-life-nutrition/
Are you caring for someone with late stage dementia and they aren't eating? Are you unsure of what you should be doing?Then this is the episode for you! Find the balance between whether it's end of life or there are nutrition management tips that you can implement. Find the most effective tips in managing dementia and how to get them to eat again!Links mentioned in the show:https://longtermcarerd.com/product/long-term-care-dietitians-resource-bundle/https://longtermcarerd.com/late-stage-dementia-not-eating/https://longtermcarerd.com/high-energy-high-protein-diet/https://longtermcarerd.com/the-top-5-foods-a-dementia-patient-needs-to-eat/https://longtermcarerd.com/listoffingerfoodsfordementiapatients/
Find out how a Registered Dietitian recommends finding the delicate balance between Dementia and eating sweets. Do you give in and let them eat all the sweets they want? In this episode, a Dietitian dives into how to offer a balance in order to maintain health, reduce malnutrition, and still give healthy meals. Links mentioned in today's episode:https://longtermcarerd.com/dementia-and-eating-sweets/https://longtermcarerd.com/product/long-term-care-dietitians-reference-guide/https://longtermcarerd.com/category/dementia/
Are you a Dietitian that feels short on time?Do you wish you knew how to chart faster?Then you need the FREE Nutrition Care Process Form from Long Term Care RD and this episode will tell you exactly how to use it!Links mentioned in the show:https://longtermcarerd.com/nutrition-care-process-form/https://longtermcarerd.comhttps://longtermcarerd.com/product/long-term-care-dietitians-resource-bundle/
There's new research suggesting that Citrulline is a great wound healing alternative, but what exactly does it do?Why is there new research recommending it?Find out all the latest information and more!Links mentioned in today's episode:https://longtermcarerd.com/product/virtual-dietitian-meeting/https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/twc/utilizing-citrulline-efficient-arginine-supplement-wound-healinghttps://longtermcarerd.com/category/wounds/
Find all the links mentioned in today's episode:https://longtermcarerd.com/product/virtual-dietitian-meeting/https://longtermcarerd.com
Not sure what your role is on the wound care team as a Dieitian? Listen to today's podcast episode to find out how set up a system that includes you as a key role on the team!Links mentioned in today's episode:https://longtermcarerd.com/product/virtual-dietitian-meeting/https://longtermcarerd.com/category/blogs/https://longtermcarerd.com/category/wounds/
Learn all about when to use the nutrition diagnosis: Increased Nutrient Needs!Links mentioned in today's episode:https://longtermcarerd.com/product/virtual-dietitian-meeting/https://longtermcarerd.com/increased-nutrient-needs-pes-statement/https://longtermcarerd.com
Links mentioned in today's episode:https://longtermcarerd.com/pocketing-food/https://longtermcarerd.com/how-to-use-the-meal-observation-screen-form/https://longtermcarerd.com/product/long-term-care-dietitians-reference-guide/https://longtermcarerd.com/category/dysphagia/
Links mentioned in today's episode:https://longtermcarerd.com/product/virtual-dietitian-meeting/https://longtermcarerd.com/stimulating-appetite-in-elderly/https://longtermcarerd.com/ebooks/
Links mentioned in today's show:https://longtermcarerd.com/longtermcaredietitian/https://longtermcarerd.com/product/long-term-care-dietitians-reference-guide/
Links mentioned in the episode:https://longtermcarerd.com/product/elderly-depression-and-malnutrition-webinar/https://longtermcarerd.com/how-to-get-weights-done-in-your-ltc-nh-facility/
Links mentioned in the episode:https://longtermcarerd.com/constipation-care-plan/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4325863/https://longtermcarerd.com/ebooks/
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