Page 50 - Fall2011

nutritional shakes made of real food to replace Ensure and pharmaceuti- It is time to include a naturopathic, holistic
cally sponsored supplements. physician or true nutritionist in a nursing home
Foods should be served in whole form, without their fats removed. who understands healing modalities. Change
Margarine and other synthetic trans fats should be categorically banned. the type of care, forming a plan that focuses on
Fresh foods should be highlighted, and purchased locally if the location true healing. The role of an allopathic physician
supports this option. Organic and pastured foods should be sought out as should be to serve as a consultant to administer
a first priority. and decrease pharmaceuticals or recommend
invasive procedures or supportive equipment
THE NEW PARADIGM such as oxygen.
Many Americans are searching for residential care offering these The Centers for Disease Control say there
healing modalities, and the numbers demanding such options are increas- are three ways to address the burgeoning health
ing. After publishing my last article in the Summer 2011 Wise Traditions, care crisis: a rise in payroll taxes, a reduction
“A Dietitian’s Experience in the Nursing Home,” I received close to one of benefits, or a combination of the two. Why
hundred calls and e-mails from people searching for a holistic-based not change the benefits our system supports to
residential care or nursing home. include only those that prevent disease and heal,
Unfortunately, the way our healthcare system currently reimburses such as whole, unadulterated food, whole-food
medical expenses makes it difficult to offer this type of nursing home, as supplements, homeopathy and herbs? Reimburse
its virtues are essentially unrecognized by Medicare and Medicaid, but healing practitioners such as acupuncturists,
if you choose to pursue this option, now there is a way. Consider the fol- chiropractors, herbologists, true nutritionists,
lowing suggestions to create the health support team you desire: massage therapists, energy workers, physical
therapists, speech therapists, occupational thera-
• Find a physician who is willing to recommend referral to an alternative pists, consulting pharmacists, activity directors
practitioner who works in an adjunctive healing modality, and work and chaplains.
toward decreasing medications if indicated. The facility or physician should assume
• Be willing and able to pay for alternative healing therapies and insist the costs of pharmaceutical interventions. If
on them. You will need a naturopath, nutritionist, acupuncturist or pharmaceutical interventions become necessary,
other healer to lead you in the process. Be aware that this avenue can this indicates the abject failure of the physician
be costly. or facility to keep the resident healthy and well.
• Be patient. Real healing on a deep level takes time, but is the true goal. The health care delivery paradigm I envision
The quick improvement of symptoms that we have become accustomed rewards good health and encourages a facility or
to via pharmaceutical intervention is not true healing. physician to decrease or eliminate reliance upon
• Most important, you must be able to incur the cost and time required pharmaceuticals. The paradigm I envision heals
to purchase and prepare whole, real unprocessed food if the facility is the healthcare system and the American people.
not willing to do this. You are within your legal rights to bring in food
and whole food supplements.
Kim Rodriguez works as a registered dietitian/
The Nursing Home Reform Law mandates that all services be provided nutritionist in private practice, specializing in
to a resident when required by the resident’s comprehensive assessment and nutrition for the elderly. She offers consultations
care plan, regardless of the availability of Medicare or Medicaid payment via phone/e-mail and can be reached at (803)
for the service. 349-5588 or nutrition@bellsouth.net.

A HOLISTIC NURSING HOME?

Our author, Kim Rodriguez, RD, would like to assess interest in establishing a holistic-based nursing home in the
United States, offering integrative medicine and a diet of whole foods. If the interest is high enough, she will then approach
nursing home owners who otherwise may be forced to close based on recent sharp Medicare cuts. Such owners may be
interested in shifting to private care with these priorities.
The fee for the nursing home care is expected to be around $2500 per month, not reimbursed by Medicare or Med-
icaid. (Typical nursing homes charge Medicare $6500 per month.) Additional costs may include nutritional supplements
or other healing modalities.
If you are interested in such a facility for a loved one, contact nutrition@bellsouth.net or (803) 349-5588.
50 Wise Traditions FALL 2011 FALL 2011 Wise Traditions

82725_WAPF_Txt.indd 50 9/15/11 2:01 PM