Key Points
Food and good nutrition are key factors in helping older adults remain healthy and independent in the community by reducing chronic disease risk and disability, promoting health and supporting increased mental and physical functioning.
The current long term care system is shifting from a nursing facility focus to one that provides an array of services in home and community-based settings.
A new long term care system is emerging led in part by two Federal agencies, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid and the Administration on Aging.
A philosophical and operational shift needs to be made from a provider/service driven model to one where consumers, families and caregivers are empowered to make their own long term care decisions.