04/03/2026
Dietitians: improving intake in long term care is not just about adding another supplement.
While oral nutrition supplements can be helpful, relying on them as the primary intervention often leads to taste fatigue, decreased compliance, and missed opportunities to truly support residents.
One of the most overlooked factors in nutrition care is autonomy. When residents are given the same supplement in the same flavor every day, choice is removed.
Instead, we can think more creatively about how we support intake.
Simple additions like yogurt with fruit, cheese and crackers, cottage cheese with berries, or smoothies can provide both nutrition and variety. These options feel more like real food and can be rotated to maintain interest over time.
As dietitians, we have the ability to incorporate these foods into diet orders and collaborate with dietary staff to better meet resident preferences.
Supplements have their place, but they should be part of a broader, more flexible approach.
🧡 Want to dive deeper into how to implement these strategies in your facility?
Read the full blog post linked in our bio.
