1. Nursing Assistant Monthly Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. The CNA’s role Healthy nutrition

2. Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Anatomy of a healthy diet  Bright-colored fruits and vegetables  Whole, enriched grains  Low-fat dairy products  Beans and nuts  Fish, lean meats, and eggs  Liquid oils and spreads low in trans fat  Spices to replace salt whenever possible March 2015Healthy nutrition

3. Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Nutrition in older adults  More than 50 percent of residents require help eating.  One-third of adults 75 years old and older are underweight.  Older adults require fewer calories but the same vitamins and minerals. March 2015Healthy nutrition

4. Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Challenges to healthy eating  Difficulty using utensils  Problems chewing and swallowing due to paralysis  Painful teeth or dentures  Diminished sense of taste and smell  Difficulty recognizing cues for hunger and thirst March 2015Healthy nutrition

5. Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Warning signs Poor nutrition:  Slow wound healing  Ridges in nails  Brittle, dry hair  Dry, red eyes March 2015Healthy nutrition Dehydration:  Dry mouth  Cracked lips  Sunken eyes with dark circles  Dark urine with strong odor

6. Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Nutrition and disease Common chronic illnesses impacted by nutrition:  Cardiovascular disease  Cerebrovascular disease  Diabetes  Cancer  Chronic kidney disease March 2015Healthy nutrition

7. Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Ways to improve the dining experience  Wash residents’ hands and place dentures comfortably before mealtime.  Seat residents with companions they enjoy.  When possible, transfer residents to dining chairs.  Seat them up to the table with feet flat on the floor and knees bent at a 90-degree angle.  Offer assistance opening containers and pouring beverages. March 2015Healthy nutrition

8. Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Ways to improve the dining experience  Ask residents if they like their food and communicate their preferences to dining staff.  Don’t rush residents to finish their meals.  When assisting a resident with eating, sit down and connect with them.  When feeding residents pureed diets, don’t mix the foods together. March 2015Healthy nutrition