Frequently Asked Questions...

1. Where can I get Nutrition Screening Materials?
   The address is: Nutrition Screening Initiative 1010 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Suite 800 Washington, DC 20007
   Phone: (202) 625-1662
   http://www.aafp.org/nsi
   E-mail: nsi@gmmb.com
   
   
2. I understand that GN has a lending library of audio and videotapes. Where can I find out about borrowing?
   Contact: Gerontological Nutritionists P.O. Box 681191 Marietta, GA 30061-0020
   email: LJUDSP@state.wy.us
   
   
3. What are some Web sites that have reliable geriatric information?
   The American Dietetic Association
   National Aging Information Center
   US Administration on Aging
   Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center
   National Policy and Resource Center on Nutrition and Aging
   National Institute on Aging
   National Center on Women and Aging
   
   
4. Where can I find some continuing education opportunities if I am unable to attend either my state or ADA's Annual Meeting?
   In addition to the monthly continuing education article in the Journal of The American Dietetic Association, you’ll find CPE opportunities in the Market Place section of the ADA website http://www.eatright.org In the Members Only section of the ADA website, check Meetings and Events, Knowledge Center, and Career and Practice for other information. A variety of topics in areas of interest to gerontological nutritionists are available.
   
   
5. Can you provide information about reimbursement?
   A good starting point is ADA's reimbursement bibliography located at: www.eatright.org/gov/biblio.html ADA also has other information on the homepage http://www.eatright.org in the Policy and Advocacy section. For more specific questions, direct your request via email to reimburse@eatright.org
   
   
6. Providing quality nutrition education in my program and meeting the requirements for nutrition education is a challenge, to say the least. There is only one of me and 2,000 clients in my service area. Does a peer nutrition education program work? How do you suggest I get one started? Are there other nutrition education models that work well for programs that they would be willing to share with me?
   An Area Agency on Aging in Washington has implemented a peer nutrition education program. The RD conducts one day workshops to teach 25-30 seniors recruited through Senior Center bulletins. For each topic, table tents, posters, lecture notes, and handouts are provided. Trainees then go back to their Senior Centers and distribute the information through classes or other activities. To date, they've been taught about heart disease, hypertension, osteoporosis, general senior nutrition, diabetes, nutrition misinformation and food safety.
   A Cooperative Extension program holds classes, developed by the county extension agent with input from the local Senior Nutrition provider and some volunteer Food Advisors, based on the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program concept and consists of 6 classes on different topics. Each class has a cooking demonstration and participation component. The volunteers are recruited through advertising. The Extension agent locates and schedules classes and the volunteer Food Advisor to teach them. Each Food Advisor is asked to volunteer a certain number of hours in exchange for their training. Currently they have a core of volunteers - some are retired RDs.
   The common theme in both programs is the recruitment and training of volunteers.
   
   
7. How are programs getting dental help to their seniors?
   Adequate, affordable dental care is a problem everywhere for seniors especially those with low incomes. Although there is inconsistency around the country with regard to dental resources, here are some suggestions given by many senior advocates who have pursued dental care for seniors in their area.
   
   • Medicaid. For eligible seniors, some dental care is available through Medicaid. It is, however, quite limited.
   • Public Health Clinics. Many public health clinics across the country offer dental care to low-income individuals for free or on a sliding scale.
   • State and Regional Dental Associations. Often times, dental associations have special programs to help individuals receive dental care.
   • Schools of Dentistry. Many University-affiliated dentistry schools also have programs to help with dental care for individuals in need.
     
     
8. What is ADA's position on nutrition and aging?
   Visit www.eatright.org/positions.html to download these and other position papers. Check the February issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association each year for a list of current positions. Email ppapers@eatright.org for a single hard copy of a position paper.