On-Demand Webinar Series: Advanced Dietary Solutions for Long-Term Care 

Originally Held and Recorded: April 15, 2025 | April 29, 2025 | May 20, 2025

Location: Virtual

Content: Register for individual webinars via the links below or save when you register for the three-part bundle on this page.

Part 1 | Tailoring Diets for Optimal Health: Personalized Nutrition| Personalized nutrition is an essential approach in long-term care settings, as it recognizes the unique dietary needs of each resident based on medical conditions, preferences, cultural backgrounds, and more. This session will provide long-term care providers with the tools and knowledge needed to create individualized meal plans that enhance health outcomes, improve quality of life, and foster better resident satisfaction. By understanding the role of tailored diets, providers can better manage chronic diseases, support nutritional needs, and promote resident autonomy and comfort.

1. Understand the importance of personalized nutrition.
2. Assess individual nutritional needs.
3. Tailor diets for chronic conditions.
4. Incorporate cultural and dietary preferences.
5. Collaborate with staff to create customized meals.

Part 2 | Nutrition and Brain Health: Optimizing Cognitive Function| Nutrition plays a pivotal role in maintaining cognitive health, especially for elderly residents in long-term care. This session will explore the latest research and practical strategies for using diet to support brain health, delay the progression of cognitive decline, and enhance the overall well-being of residents. From preventing dementia to improving memory and mental clarity, understanding the connection between nutrition and brain health can help care providers make a significant impact on the cognitive function of their residents.

1. Understand the link between nutrition and brain health.
2. Identify dietary patterns that prevent or delay the onset of dementia or other cognitive impairments.
3. Explore the role of inflammation and oxidative stress in cognitive decline.
4. Discover how functional foods support memory and cognition.
5. Address dietary interventions for residents living with dementia.

Part 3 | Innovative Hydration Strategies: Enhancing Fluid Intake and Preventing Dehydration| Hydration is essential for maintaining the overall health and well-being of residents in long-term care settings, yet dehydration remains a common and serious issue in the elderly population. This session will explore innovative strategies and best practices for improving hydration in long-term care facilities, ensuring that residents stay well-hydrated and experience fewer hydration-related complications. From advanced hydration monitoring tools to creative beverage solutions and food options with high water content, this session will equip care providers with practical, effective techniques to optimize hydration for better health outcomes.

1. Discover creative beverage options that can enhance hydration.
2. Discuss appealing preparation of hydrating foods.
3. Identify new tools to help monitor hydration levels and encourage fluid intake.
4. Utilize strategies to adapt fluids to meet residents' safety needs.
5. Create a hydration-friendly environment.

Objectives: At the completion of the training, the participant will be able to: 

1. Understand the importance of personalized nutrition.
2. Collaborate with staff to create customized meals.
3. Understand the link between nutrition and brain health.
4. Address dietary interventions for residents living with dementia.
5. Discover creative beverage options that can enhance hydration.
6. Create a hydration-friendly environment.

Audience: This program is appropriate for owners, directors, administrators, directors of nursing, nursing, dietitians, dietary managers, dietary staff, and direct care staff in nursing facilities and assisted living communities.

Facilitator: Connie Knorr, RN, BSN, Curriculum Development and Learning Manager

Speakers: 

Vicki Rethmeier, MS, RDN, LMNT, Dietary Manager Program Coordinator, Instructor, Culinary and Hospitality, Southeast Community College

Elaine Farley-Zoucha, RDN, LMNT, Vice President, Education and Resources, DiningRD

Julie Halfpop, RDN,  LD, Director of Nutrition Services, Martin Bros.

Format: Virtual only. The recordings and handouts are linked in the "Education" tab of your member profile. If you need technical assistance, please call 402-435-3551 or email [email protected]. 

Registration Information: Registration includes the full three-part webinar series. If you wish to confirm your registration, call the NHCA office at 402-435-3551. 

CE Credit: 3 hours of continuing education are available. Please defer to your licensing board or agency to ensure courses taken meet your license requirements.

Nursing: 3 Nursing Contact Hours awarded from IBON Provider #396

Handouts: Upon registration, a link to handouts will be available in the "Education" tab in your account profile.

Evaluations: Please provide feedback on the course by completing the evaluation, which is available in the "Education" tab in your account profile.

Substitution and Refund Policy: Please notify NHCA as soon as possible if you are unable to attend an event. Substitutions: Allowed until the start of the event. Webinars: No refunds will be issued. Other Events: A full refund, minus a service charge of $25 per person per day, will be issued. Substitution, cancellation, and refund policies can be found at this link.

Liability Release Statement: Photographs are taken during Nebraska Health Care Association events for use in media releases, newsletters, nehca.org, and social media. By registering for this event, you grant NHCA the right to use your name and photograph for such purposes.