Pressure Injury Through Nutrition: RD Tools for Wound Recovery

Episode Overview: In this practical episode of the Long Term Care RD podcast, Michelle breaks down a real-world sample nutrition care plan for a resident with a stage 3 pressure injury. Drawing from over a decade in SNFs, we cover the Nutrition Care Process step-by-step, MDS requirements, and tips to make your documentation survey-ready while supporting better healing for your older adults. Whether you're juggling MDS deadlines or looking for quick interventions to boost protein intake, this episode is designed to save you time and build your confidence in geriatric wound care.

Key Takeaways:

• How to craft a specific Nutrition Diagnosis (PES statement) for increased protein/energy needs tied to wounds.
• Setting measurable goals for healing, weight maintenance, and intake — with geriatric nuances like potential weight gain.
• Multi-layered interventions: From fortified foods and ONS to interdisciplinary referrals (e.g., OT for positioning).
• Monitoring strategies to stay proactive on quality measures and prevent burnout.
• A ready-to-adapt sample chart note in SOAP format for your own residents.

Resources Mentioned:

• Downloadable Your FREE RD Starter Kit!: Grab the full example we discussed, including the resident briefing, NCP details, MDS section, and chart note. Available as a free teaser on https://fantastic-frost-95925.myflodesk.com/ggnskwevs8 — perfect for quick reference in your facility.
• Full Wound Healing Toolkit in Clinical Nutrition Central: For even more depth, join the membership to access downloadable templates for all wound stages, PES statement guides, charting libraries, monthly updates on CMS regs/PDPM, and a community forum for LTC RDs. Designed by someone who's been in your shoes, for RDs working with older adults. Check it out at https://clinicalnutritioncentral.com
• Related Blog Post: "Wound Care Dietitian - Step by Step Practical Advice" — Read it free at https://longtermcarerd.com/wound-care-the-dietitians-role2/.

Thanks for Listening! If this episode helped you feel a bit more equipped for those wound care challenges, share it with a fellow RD and subscribe for more practical geriatric nutrition tips. Got questions or episode ideas? Drop a comment on the blog or join us in Clinical Nutrition Central. You've got this — let's keep supporting our seniors together.

Hosted by Michelle Saari, MS, RD LongTermCareRD.com | ClinicalNutritionCentral.com