St. John’s Dietitians Connect with Residents Through Food

March is National Nutrition Month and this year’s theme chosen by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is “Food Connects Us.” We spoke with St. John’s Home Registered Dietitians Rachel Marsala and Karen Lenhardt on the importance of nutrition while aging.

Q: What does this year’s theme of “Food Connects Us” mean to you?

Rachel Marsala: Aside from the importance of consuming a well-balanced meal for our health, having a meal together connects all of us and can improve our mental and emotional health as well. Connecting with others at meals can also help to improve mood and feelings of loneliness. Food can provide more than just nutrients to us if we look at the big picture.

Karen Lenhardt: I love this year’s theme “Food Connects Us” because that is what we try to do with our residents here. It is great working with [residents]. Food is a social experience and I get to be a part in making a person feel better.

Q: What is dining like at St. John’s?

RM: Our residents have the opportunity to eat together daily and connect, whether it be with fellow residents, their families and visitors, or staff. Older adults at times experience decreased appetite, but having that communal mealtime can help to improve their intake.

Q: How do you help residents who are struggling to eat?

RM: The team and I have conversations at meals about favorite foods or traditions around food that our residents enjoyed throughout their lifetime. That is one small way to connect us.

KL: We aim to work and make the situation better. Food can actually make you feel better and then you look into what you put into your body to fuel and help you. It is just amazing.

More about dining and nutrition at St. John’s:

Nutrition for the Dementia Brain and Body