Long Term Care RD

Michelle Saari, MS RD
  • 5.0 (12)
  • Nutrition
  • Updated Weekly

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 trenchesSummaries of the latest research and guidelines, translated into everyday practiceTime-saving tools, templates, and quick winsEncouragement and community vibes for dietitians who often work soloEpisodes 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! This version builds on your current descriptions (e.g., "Discover the power of nutrition... Elevate your practice with insights and practical tips...") while expanding it with specifics from episodes and your resources. It positions the podcast as educational, supportive, and directly linked to your membership for conversions. Listen now and transform your approach to long-term care nutrition! Find more information at: https://longtermcarerd.com Follow us on Facebook & Instagram @ longtermcarerd Pinterest @ longtermcarerd Contact Michelle via email: info@longtermcarerd.com

  1. 1d ago

    Top 5 Tricks to Stimulate Appetite in Seniors!

    Struggling to get an elderly parent, grandparent, or resident to eat? You're not alone — appetite loss in older adults is one of the most common (and most stressful) challenges in senior care. In this episode, we break down the real causes of appetite loss in the elderly — from medical changes and sensory decline to dementia, dental issues, depression, and medication side effects — and then walk through 5 practical, dietitian-backed tricks to help stimulate appetite and increase intake. You'll learn: ✅ The 6 most common causes of appetite loss in seniors ✅ How to fortify food to pack in more calories without more volume ✅ The right (and wrong) way to time nutritional supplement drinks ✅ Why finger foods can be a game-changer for dementia patients ✅ How to build individualized snacks that seniors actually want to eat ✅ Why flexibility and meal frequency matter more than you'd think Whether you're a caregiver, a family member, or you work in long-term care, this episode gives you actionable steps you can start using today. 📌 Read the full article this episode is based on: https://longtermcarerd.com/stimulating-appetite-in-elderly/ 🌐 More resources for long-term care nutrition: https://longtermcarerd.com

    Top 5 Tricks to Stimulate Appetite in Seniors!

  2. 4d ago

    Being Survey Ready Isn't Rocket Science... It's These 5 Daily Habits That Will Make It Simple!

    If the thought of a state survey or audit makes you want to panic and start reviewing every chart you've touched for the last six months, you're not alone! Being surveyed can feel intimidating, but here's the good news: you don't become survey ready the week before survey. You become survey ready by consistently doing the things you already know how to do as a dietitian. Following the Nutrition Care Process. Keeping up with your residents. Documenting your clinical reasoning. Following up on interventions. Keeping care plans current. In this episode, I’m breaking down 5 simple daily habits that can help you stay survey-ready without spending hours preparing for survey. You just need good systems and consistent habits. And if you're newer to long term care and want a walkthrough of what the survey and audit process looks like for dietitians, I have a webinar and ebook that will walk you through what surveyors are looking for, what your role is, and how to feel more confident going into the process. The resource is available on Long Term Care RD and inside the Clinical Nutrition Central membership, where members can access it at a discounted rate. Resources Mentioned in This Episode High-Risk Resident Tracking Spreadsheet Use a system to keep your high-risk residents, follow-ups, and nutrition concerns organized so nothing falls through the cracks. Dietitian's Role in State Surveys: How to Stay Ready Every Day Webinar & eBook Here Get the free walkthrough here: https://longtermcarerd.com/dietitians-role-in-state-surveys-how-to-stay-ready-every-day/ Clinical Nutrition Central Membership Access additional resources, webinars, ebooks, clinical tools, and support for dietitians working with older adults. Remember You don't become survey-ready the week before survey. You become survey-ready through the small clinical and documentation habits you practice every day. Follow the Nutrition Care Process. Know your high-risk residents. Follow up. Keep your care plans current. Document your clinical reasoning. And you'll be much more prepared than you think.

    Being Survey Ready Isn't Rocket Science... It's These 5 Daily Habits That Will Make It Simple!

  3. Aug 11

    You're Not a Bad Dietitian... Long Term Care is Just Hard!

    You Asked, I Answered: 3 Questions LTC Dietitians Ask All the Time It’s been a little while since I’ve recorded a podcast episode—and I’m so happy to be back! For this episode, I’m answering three real-world questions that come up for dietitians working with older adults and in long-term care. These aren’t textbook questions. They’re the kinds of situations that make you stop and think, “Okay…what do I actually do with this resident?” In this episode, we’re talking about: 🥗 A resident has lost weight but is still in the “normal” BMI range. Should I be concerned? ⚖️ How much weight loss is actually significant in an older adult? 🥤 What do you do when a resident refuses nutrition supplements but continues losing weight? We’ll talk through the clinical considerations, what I’m looking at as a dietitian, and some of the practical approaches you can use in your own practice. If you work with older adults, you know that nutrition care is rarely black and white. My goal with this podcast is to make those complicated, everyday clinical decisions a little easier—and to remind you that you don't have to figure everything out alone. Want more practical resources? Visit Long Term Care RD for free resources, clinical articles, practical tools, and education designed specifically for dietitians working with older adults. Looking for even more support? Clinical Nutrition Central is our membership community for clinical dietitians, with webinars, evidence summaries, cheat sheets, sample chart notes, care plans, new resources added regularly, and a community where you can get support from other dietitians. Thanks for listening—and if there’s a clinical question you’d like me to answer on a future episode, send it my way!

    You're Not a Bad Dietitian... Long Term Care is Just Hard!

  4. Mar 10

    Pressure Injury Through Nutrition: RD Tools for Wound Recovery

    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

    Pressure Injury Through Nutrition: RD Tools for Wound Recovery

  5. Feb 27

    Why We're Rethinking Tube Feeding for Patients with Dementia

    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 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.

    Why We're Rethinking Tube Feeding for Patients with Dementia

  6. Feb 17

    Mastering PES Statements - Stop Overthinking & Start Charting Confidently

    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.

    Mastering PES Statements - Stop Overthinking & Start Charting Confidently

  7. Feb 12

    You Don't Have To Practice Alone Anymore RDs!

    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 field My 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

    You Don't Have To Practice Alone Anymore RDs!

  8. Feb 2

    Survival Guide and Hacks for Dietitians to Save Time

    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 Mentioned Intro & Why This Matters for LTC RDs Mindset Shift: Compassion + Boundaries Flexible Daily Routine Framework Top Time-Saving Hacks (Charting, Prioritization, Teamwork) Burnout Prevention Quick Wins Encouragement & Next Steps Link: Top 16 Time Saving Charting Tips Ready 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!

    Survival Guide and Hacks for Dietitians to Save Time
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5
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About

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 trenchesSummaries of the latest research and guidelines, translated into everyday practiceTime-saving tools, templates, and quick winsEncouragement and community vibes for dietitians who often work soloEpisodes 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! This version builds on your current descriptions (e.g., "Discover the power of nutrition... Elevate your practice with insights and practical tips...") while expanding it with specifics from episodes and your resources. It positions the podcast as educational, supportive, and directly linked to your membership for conversions. Listen now and transform your approach to long-term care nutrition! Find more information at: https://longtermcarerd.com Follow us on Facebook & Instagram @ longtermcarerd Pinterest @ longtermcarerd Contact Michelle via email: info@longtermcarerd.com

Information

  • Creator
    Michelle Saari, MS RD
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Long Term Care RD 2026
  • Show Website
    Long Term Care RD

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