Helping You Stay Strong, Happy, and Healthy
At TRU PACE, we know food is more than a meal. It is comfort. It is culture. It is health. Our team is here to help each person eat well, stay safe, and feel supported every day.
The goal of Nutrition Services is to optimize the nutritional health of each participant. We accomplish this by offering healthy meals and snacks at TRU PACE, mealtime support at home, providing education on proper meal choices to manage chronic diseases, and assessing for changes in nutritional status.
What Are Nutrition Services?
Nutrition Services are the food and nutrition support we give to help you stay healthy at home and at the TRU PACE center. Every plan is made just for you by our Interdisciplinary Team (IDT), based on your needs and your goals.
Dietary Care
WHAT WE DO
Every participant is assessed by a Registered Dietitian (RD) upon enrollment. Your RD works with your care team to make sure your nutrition fits your health needs and your personal choices. Nutrition services are part of your TRU PACE benefits – there are no extra costs when they are part of your care plan.
Why Nutrition Services Matter
Good nutrition helps you:
- Stay strong and keep your energy
- Prevent sickness
- Manage health needs
- Feel better day-to-day
- Enjoy meals that match your culture, habits, and taste
Nutrition Services May Include:
Nutrition Assessments:
Your RD checks your weight, appetite, and any problems with chewing, swallowing, or special diets. These check-ins happen at least twice a year. Additional check-ins may be provided if your care team, you, or your representative requests them or identifies a need.
Meal Services:
Enjoy healthy meals and snacks when you visit the PACE Day Center. If your care plan says it’s needed, you may also get home-delivered meals.
Special Diets:
If you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or food allergies, your RD will provide meal suggestions and healthy eating just for you. We can also help with soft or pureed foods if chewing or swallowing is hard by referring you to a speech therapist.
Education & Counseling:
Our dietitians teach simple ways to eat well and feel better. We’ll talk with you-and your family if you wish-about how food supports your health.
Access to Food:
If you need help getting groceries, we’ll connect you with community food programs and local resources or assist with grocery shopping.
How We Help You
We take time to listen to what you like, what is hard for you, and what feels important.
- Talking with you in a clear, caring way
- Checking your nutrition needs
- Helping with safe eating and swallowing
- Supporting food choices that match your culture and traditions
FAQ about Nutrition Services at TRU PACE
Does TRU PACE provide meals, or just advice on what to eat?
Meals are provided when you visit our Day Center which includes a snack and lunch. Most participants eat regular meals at home.
Can I get meals delivered to my home if I can't cook?
Yes – if your care team determines the service is medically necessary, or if you or your representative requests the service and it is approved by the interdisciplinary team (IDT)
Will the PACE dietitian work with me to plan meals at home so I know what to cook?
TRU PACE dietitians can help with healthy eating, meal ideas, and nutrition support. You or your representative may also request a meal plan, which will be reviewed by the interdisciplinary team (IDT).
Can the Dietitian give guidance if my parent is losing weight or not eating well?
Our team can make recommendations to increase intake. We try to use food first and if medically necessary may try supplements.
If we can't afford special food, does TRU PACE help with access to groceries or nutrition programs?
Along with your Social Work team TRU PACE provides referrals to community resources such as SNAP and food banks.
Will I receive Home-Delivered Meals?
TRU PACE may provide home-delivered meals when they are needed for your health or safety and recommended by your care team. Every new participant meets with a Registered Dietitian when joining PACE and is rescreened as needed to check on nutrition needs.
Does TRU PACE pay for my Home-Delivered Meals?
If home-delivered meals are part of your PACE care plan, TRU PACE covers the full cost you do not have to pay extra.
Are nutrition assessments required for all participants?
All new TRU PACE participants are screened by a Registered Dietitian as part of your IDT team
Can TRU PACE help me eat right for my health problems, like diabetes, malnutrition, high blood pressure, heart problems or trouble swallowing?
Yes, our goal is help you eat healthy and respect your choices. As part of your assessment, these recommendations are shared with you and tailored to your needs. If you have difficulty swallowing, a speech therapist will be a recommended part of your care.
If I have food allergies, will TRU PACE make sure I'm safe?
When attending the Day Center we notify the meal provider of your food allergies – if they can’t accommodate we provide a frozen meal
Does TRU PACE cover the cost of special foods I need?
Not at this time. However if a participant is receiving nutrition through a feeding tube, then it is covered by TRU PACE.
Can TRU PACE help me get groceries if I have trouble shopping?
This type of help is provided by your home caregiver if you are receiving Home Care. All groceries need to be ordered and pre-paid by the participant.