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ForwardA Tiered Approach to Geriatric Nutrition
Nutrition professionals must be aware of the special needs of older adults—the fastest-growing segment of our population. More older adults than ever are participating in community and outreach health programs and seeking independent nutritionists for a consultation about their health. To meet the nutritional needs of the older adult, nutrition professionals must understand the rationale for specific nutrient recommendations in both preventive health and therapeutic nutrition.
This continuing education activity begins in chapter 1 with a summary of nutrition screening and nutrition assessments options available to those working with older adults. In chapter 2, you’ll find an explanation of the nutrient requirements that change with age. As additional research is published concerning older adults, information is provided to care for these individuals specifically. The chapter includes recommendations for calories, protein, vitamins D and B12, calcium, sodium, and water as well as appropriate dietary patterns.
In chapter 3, the rationales and practical applications of nutrition in regard to cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, cancers, diabetes, and osteoporosis are discussed. As the individual ages, the prevalence of chronic disease increases. In chapter 4, managing multiple chronic diseases is discussed, since older adults often have two or more chronic diseases.
Chapter 5 focuses on the hospitalized, older adult. The most common reasons for hospitalization are covered, including heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke, pneumonia, and diabetes. The importance of malnutrition awareness is highlighted as well as discharge planning. Chapter 6 addresses issues with home care, nursing home, and long-term care as well as end-of-life concerns and palliative care. Four case studies provide practice and application.
This program is a level 2 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) program approved for 16 continuing professional education units (CPEUs). That means that the reader has general knowledge of literature and professional practice in the area covered. The focus of the program is to enhance knowledge and application.
Learning Objectives
After completing this activity, nutrition professionals will better be able to:
- Counsel clients about diets that reflect nutrient requirements of older people.
- Recognize why requirements change with age and integrate that knowledge into case management.
- Counsel clients regarding nutritional modifications that are important in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, and cognitive decline.
- Recognize how disability and end-of-life issues affect nutritional assessment and care of the older adult.
Additional Information
Crystal Petrello, MS, RDN, LD, is an expert nutritionist/dietitian and an Air Force National Guard veteran. She is a captivating and award-winning public speaker. She is a part of the John Maxwell Team and a Toastmaster. Crystal speaks on the topics of leadership, faith, food, and family. Her undergraduate degree in Medical Dietetics is from Ohio State University. She continued her education at Ohio University where she obtained a master’s degree in Community Nutrition with research in Food Security (Food Safety and Equity).
Since finishing her education, Crystal has co-authored “But I’m Hungry,” a book about the body’s response to hunger and how to lose weight without depriving yourself. She recently was the FOX Las Vegas Nutrition correspondent and has written for several magazines. Crystal has taught and developed nutrition curriculum for Case Western Reserve University, Ursuline College, and future health professionals at the Arizona College of Nursing. Along with volunteering at the Las Vegas Rescue Mission and Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth she has worked as a clinical dietitian for more than 13 years.
Crystal has been awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal, Outstanding Young Dietitian of the Year from the Nevada Dietetic Association, Top 100 Women of Las Vegas, and named a Distinguished Women of Nevada. She has been the President for the Nevada Dietetic Association for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Board Member for the Nevada Chapter of the National Strength and Conditioning Association, Board Member for Community Connect Las Vegas, Vice President of Education for her local Toastmasters Club, and co-founder of The P.A.T.H. Foundation in Las Vegas.
Disclosures:
Crystal Petrello, MS, RDN, LDN, faculty for this activity, has no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
The planners for this educational activity have no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
An “ineligible company” includes any entity whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.
In support of improving patient care, Great Valley Publishing Company (publisher of Wolf Rinke Associates) is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
This activity will also award credit for dietetics (CDR CPEU).
RDs and DTRs are to select activity type 102 in their Activity Log. Sphere and Competency selection is at the learner’s discretion.
Available Credit
- 16.00 CDR