Phoowanai Ektheerachaisakul BS, RDN

I was challenged in a long-term care setting here at UPCC by its diveristy. I had experienced a lot of language barriers in this facility. However, that did not stop me from interviewing residents of their food preferences or obtained other subjective information. My valuable experiences enable me to complete nutrition assessments of newly admitted and readmitted residents. As well as performing quarterly assessments and overall determining each resident's nutritional status. One of the most rewarding task was to provide nutrition education to one resident about her medical diagnosis of diabetes. Within numerous counseling sessions, by the time she was being discharged, I can tell that she grasped the concept of Carbohydrate Counting and identifying serving sizes of food items. In addition, I have had the pleasure of being a part of the Family Mealtime Assistance program. This program provides training session for family members and significant others to support and encourage the residents to eat during meal times. The connections I've made with my residents were compassion and warmth.