NUTR 4263 - Geriatric Nutrition

3 Hours. Geriatric Nutrition focuses on the unique aspects of aging that affect health and nutritional status. Physiological, psychological, social and financial changes place the elderly at risk for poor nutritional status. Complications of chronic diseases, polypharmacy, physical disabilities, and changing nutrient needs contribute to the nutritional challenges during this life stage. Nutritional screening and assessment for the older adult will be discussed along with appropriate interventions to improve health and nutritional status. The complexity of caring for the long-term care resident to include the legal and ethical considerations, laws and regulation, liability and consulting basics will be covered. The course will conclude with a discussion of government and community resources available for the geriatric population. Prerequisite: NUTR 1653 Basic Nutrition.