Q&A With Our Dietitians

Nutrition contributes not only to physical health and wellbeing, but also to our quality of life. At BSF, our dietitians play important roles both inside and outside the dining room.

Thank you to our exceptional dietitians and dietary teams for all that they do to optimize wellbeing and enrich lives! To celebrate Dietitians Day and National Nutrition Month, we asked them a few questions. Here's what they had to say:  

What is your role as a dietitian at BSF?

“Dietitians are the nutrition hub for the residents at BSF. We work with residents and families to come up with their nutrition care plan, then work with the dietary team, health care aides, nurses, and physicians to help meet the residents’ nutritional goals.” – Allie Smorodin, Dietitian at BSF’s Cambridge Manor

“We evaluate the nutritional status of residents by reviewing intake and monthly weights. We can conduct chewing and swallowing assessments to determine need to modify food textures or fluid consistencies and evaluate the need for nutritional supplements based on wounds and or weight loss.” – Meghan Barnes, Dietitian at BSF’s Bow View Manor

Why is nutrition important?

“Nutrition is important at all stages of the life cycle. As someone ages, many factors can contribute to the decline in ability and interest to eat. Our appetite might not be as strong and our ability to chew and swallow might decline. Risk of dehydration increases, and weight loss is not uncommon. By working with a dietitian, we can help reduce and work with the changes someone might experience to ensure their nutrition needs are met to ensure they live a safe and healthy life.” – Allie Smorodin, Dietitian at BSF’s Cambridge Manor

“Food and nutrition are an important element of our resident’s life. They need good nutrition to nourish their bodies, heal wounds and prevent dehydration but also sometimes foods to promote quality of life. For many of our residents, the dining experience is part of socialization; it goes beyond the nutrients on the table. It is a moment for laughing and interacting with their co-residents. I remember one resident told me that her favorite thing at mealtime was her ice-cream. She will start her meal with dessert. She said, ‘Life is too short to wait to finish your meal.’” – Mayra Regan, Dietitian at BSF’s Wentworth Manor

What does your typical workday look like?

“Busy. Funny fact - I do walk at least 5,000 steps a day just walking inside the building with everything I need to be doing.” – Mayra Regan, Dietitian at BSF’s Wentworth Manor

“A typical day for a dietitian could include completing an initial nutrition assessment when someone first moves into our Manors, working one-on-one with residents and families to make changes to the nutrition care plan, screening for weight or intake changes, providing staff with nutrition education and communicating care plan changes, or attending meetings and participating on committees to make larger scale nutrition changes.” – Allie Smorodin, Dietitian at BSF’s Cambridge Manor

What is your favourite part about working at BSF?

“The residents.” – Meghan Barnes, Dietitian at BSF’s Bow View Manor

“Everyone has a role to play in improving the quality of life for our residents and is willing to work as a team to get this done. At the end of the day, we all have the same goals, and this is evident in every person who I work with.”  – Allie Smorodin, Dietitian at BSF’s Cambridge Manor

“I love my co-workers and residents. I love coming to work and having a good laugh at reception or in the staff room. I love getting to know our residents’ backgrounds and get to know what is important to them.” – Mayra Regan, Dietitian at BSF’s Wentworth Manor

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