Dietetics and nutrition in geriatric care

The dietetics and nutrition in geriatric care course offers specialised training to understand and apply eating guidelines suited to the specific nutritional needs of older people. It is designed for professionals who care for older adults and want to deepen their knowledge of diets adapted to this group, especially where chronic conditions are present.

On this course you will learn about the composition and function of nutrients, the processes of digestion, absorption and metabolism, and how ageing affects nutrition. It also covers therapeutic diets for common geriatric conditions and food hygiene, which is key to nutritional safety.

Aimed at workers and professionals in care homes and home care services, this online training gives you the flexibility to gain practical and theoretical skills from anywhere. The course runs for a total of 350 hours at an affordable price, making it easier to update your professional skills and provide better care for older people.

With this course you can improve older people's quality of life through safe, adapted nutrition, strengthen your knowledge of dietetics applied to geriatric care, and increase your employability in the health and social care sector.

This course prepares you to set safe, personalised eating plans for older people, taking into account their particular needs and health conditions. On completion, students will be able to:

• Analyse the different nutrients and their role in geriatric nutrition.
• Understand the processes of digestion, absorption and metabolism in older people.
• Identify changes in eating and nutrition caused by ageing.
• Design therapeutic diets adapted to chronic conditions common in older age.
• Ensure proper food hygiene to prevent risks and illness.
• Adjust nutrition plans to the individual characteristics of older people.

Unit 1. Nutrients and their role in the diet

A study of the different nutrients essential for health, how they are classified and their role in a balanced diet for older people.

Unit 2. Digestion, absorption and metabolism

An analysis of how the body digests, absorbs and metabolises food, focusing on the particular features of the digestive system in older age.

Unit 3. Ageing and its effects on nutrition

An exploration of the physiological changes that come with ageing and their impact on nutritional needs and eating habits.

Unit 4. Designing and applying therapeutic diets

Developing specific diets adapted to chronic conditions common in older people, considering prevention and nutritional treatment.

Unit 5. Food hygiene in geriatric care

Principles and practices for guaranteeing safety and hygiene when handling and preparing food for this vulnerable group.

This training is aimed at those who want to work with older people in the field of food and nutrition, in centres and services dedicated to older adults. Career opportunities include:

• Dietetics and nutrition technician in care homes.
• Food service coordinator or manager in residential homes for older people.
• Home care professional specialising in nutrition.
• Food quality supervisor in geriatric institutions.

Sectors and companies:

• Care centres and residential homes for older people.
• Home care and support services for older people.
• Health and social care organisations dedicated to geriatric nutrition.