Dietary and Nutritional Services

Our Dietary and Nutritional Services

Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT)

Medical Nutrition Therapy is a specialized, evidence-based approach to managing chronic conditions through diet. Our dietitians work with residents and guests to create meal plans designed to address specific health issues such as:

• Diabetes Management: For individuals with diabetes, we develop carbohydrate-controlled meal plans to regulate blood sugar levels. Our care teams help residents monitor their blood glucose and make healthy food choices that support stable sugar levels.
• Heart Disease: We offer heart-healthy dietary strategies, including low-sodium and low-fat diets, to help manage cholesterol, blood pressure, and overall heart health. Our goal is to reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events.
• Kidney Disease: Residents with kidney disease often require specific dietary modifications to limit the intake of certain minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, and sodium. We create kidney-friendly meal plans to slow the progression of kidney disease and improve kidney function.
• Weight Management: For individuals looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, we provide balanced meal plans, portion control strategies, and behavior modification techniques. Our team supports long-term weight management through realistic and sustainable dietary changes.

Nutritional Counseling

Nutritional counseling is essential for residents who want to improve their eating habits or need support during times of transition, such as after surgery or following a new diagnosis.

Our dietitians offer one-on-one counseling sessions to assess current dietary habits and develop customized plans that address nutritional deficiencies, weight management or specialized needs for specific health conditions. We also customized diets for residents with food allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities.

Meal Planning and Education

At Ciena Health, we know that healthy eating habits are about more than just following a prescribed diet—they involve learning about food choices, understanding portion control, and finding ways to enjoy nutritious meals. Our team provides meal planning and education services to help residents make healthy choices.

Nutritional Support for Recovery and Rehabilitation

Good nutrition is essential for recovery after surgery, illness, or injury. Our dietary team works closely with long-term care residents and guests in short-term nursing and rehabilitation to provide meals that promote healing, rebuild strength, and support immune function.

For residents with reduced appetites or difficulty eating, we offer specialized nutrition support, including liquid diets, supplements, and high-calorie meal options, ensuring they receive the nutrients needed to aid their recovery.

Specialized Nutrition Programs

At Ciena Health, we offer specialized nutrition programs designed to meet the needs of specific resident populations. Some of our key programs include:

• Geriatric Nutrition: As individuals age, their nutritional needs change. Our dietitians provide older adults with dietary recommendations that promote healthy aging, prevent malnutrition, and address age-related health issues such as osteoporosis and cognitive decline.
• Oncology Nutrition: People undergoing cancer treatment often experience unique nutritional challenges due to the effects of treatment, including nausea, weight loss, and changes in taste. We provide personalized nutrition plans to help affected residents and guests maintain their strength, manage side effects, and support their recovery throughout cancer treatment.

Resident-Centered Care

At Ciena Healthcare, we believe in putting the resident first. Our team works closely with each individual to develop a dietary plan that aligns with doctor and nutritionist recommendations as well as their own personal preferences. We take the time to learn each resident’s medical history, lifestyle, and dietary preferences, making sure that the nutrition plans are both effective and sustainable.