Dieticians Help Residents Eat Good, Feel Good

Two local long-term care homes are using March to celebrate the power and importance of nutrition.

A Registered Dietitian at Carveth Care Centre in Gananoque and Helen Henderson Care Centre in Amherstview, Elizabeth Dares-Dobbie is preparing for National Nutrition Month - a one-month awareness campaign that highlights the profound connections between food and overall well-being, and emphasizes the transformative role of nutrition in our lives.

“I like the theme Nourish to Flourish, and I like that it’s for two years,” says the woman who has worked at the two homes for more than 10 years. “Food can nourish more than just our bodies—it nourishes our minds, our emotions, and our overall well-being.”

An expert in geriatric nutrition, Elizabeth is the only dietitian at Helen Henderson Care Centre and one of two Registered Dietitians at Carveth Care Centre. Both homes are using National Nutrition Month to recognize and celebrate the diverse roles dietitians play in influencing the well-being of Canadians and their integral part of the health care system. Registered Dietitians are regulated health professionals who use their expertise in food and nutrition to improve human health.

“The dining experience is important for our residents,” explains Elizabeth in late February 2025. “Meals add structure to the day and are social times. They are also three of the six daily opportunities for residents to obtain hydration which is important for everyone, especially the elderly.”

Armed with a wealth of knowledge and experience, Elizabeth enjoys her work at the homes which are seeing trends. “A lot of people are looking for healthy diet options. They are expecting it now in long-term care,” she attests. “They want to know the best things they can eat. In addition to menu planning, dietitians are looking at how can we help people who have chronic disease through medical nutritional therapy.”

Louise Dorsett has been a dietitian at Carveth Care Center for 10 years. Her knowledge in nutrition therapy comes from years of experience working in many settings and organizations. She’s had the privilege of working in hospitals, primary care centers and for community organizations. She provided nutrition education to infants, toddlers, adolescents, young adults and seniors.

“Our role as dietitians is essential and rewarding. We help them maintain optimal health, manage chronic illnesses and improve their quality of life. Seniors, in long-term care, may face a variety of eating challenges, including loss of appetite, changes in taste and smell, and digestive or swallowing issues. At Carveth the dietary team does their best to create personalized meal plans, provide guidance in making healthy food choices, and offer support to the residents’ loved ones during stressful situations.”

Louise adds, “I am lucky because I have had the privilege of working with clients form all phases of life from infants to 100-year-olds". It makes me appreciate all of the things dietitians can help with. Weight loss is just a small part of what we do. We also help with food security, programs for the underprivileged, assisting with the treatment of chronic diseases and promoting public health messages to name a few specialties.”

Louise says, “This year’s theme Nourish to Flourish truly resonates with the needs of our residents: It was chosen to highlight the connection between food and our health and well-being.”

Helen Henderson Care Centre and Carveth Care Centre operate under the umbrella of Gibson Family Health Care which is celebrating the good work of dietitians, and the importance of nutrition, during National Nutrition Month. To learn more about living or working in our homes, please call 613-382-4752.