Certified Dietary Managers and Registered Dietitians representing eight Kendal affiliates met during a retreat at Kendal at Longwood and Crosslands on April 15 and 16 to learn about a new systematic approach to nutritional care. This new approach was developed by the American Dietetic Association through strategic planning that led to the development of a systematic process for dietetic practitioners to use in providing care. The new nutrition process is designed to improve consistency and quality of care and to assist Registered Dietitians to measure outcomes. The process includes four steps: Nutrition Assessment, Nutrition Diagnosis, Nutrition Intervention and Nutrition Monitoring and Evaluation. New definitions will standardize and structure documentation and change the way the dietitians currently assess residents' nutrition needs and record information.

The two day retreat was planned by Kathe Yerkes, corporate Director for Dining Services, and Elizabeth Kautz, Registered Dietitian for Kendal Crosslands Communities. Recognizing the significance of this change in approach to care, they arranged for training with Carol Elliott, a nutrition consultant and member of ADA's Peer Network for Nutrition Diagnosis group. The second day included practice using the Nutrition Care Process with case studies and standardizing the assessment tool for use in Kendal communities. The peer group benefited from working together and sharing their skills and resources. This successful retreat has positioned us to implement this new process with peer support as the new Answers on Demand software is rolled out.