A physician's perspective on the dining experience in long-term care

Unfortunately, weight loss is frequently an expected part of a patient's normal nursing home residential trajectory. However, the clinical team should determine if the weight loss is reversible. The patient's clinical condition is often such that weight loss cannot be reversed or improved. Currently, life expectancy for a patient who has been admitted to a nursing home is approximately 2.2 years. These patients have been suffering from multiple medical conditions that have ravaged their body and mind and left them in a frail condition. Food has many personal meanings to each resident that can improve the quality of a person's few remaining years. While many specialty diets are available to patients in a hospital, many of these diets may not be appropriate for patients who reside in a nursing home. Careful attention should be given to the prescription and preparation of meals in long-term care facilities. A focus on liberalizing diets in long-term care facilities can lead to improved quality of life for many patients.