Enhancing Comprehensive Services for Seniors
The Council on Aging of Martin County at the Kane Center welcomed Christy Shelton, MS, RDN, LD/N, earlier this year as part of a new, comprehensive healthy living initiative for seniors.
Shelton is a clinical dietitian who has worked on a contracted basis with the Kane Center’s Executive Chef and Meals on Wheels team since 2016 to develop menus that meet the nutritional needs of homebound seniors. Shelton’s new role brings her expertise directly to clients, through one-on-one nutrition therapy and counseling. Shelton has 17 years of experience as a clinical dietitian, assisting patients suffering from a broad range of conditions, including cardiac disease, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, kidney disease, dysphagia, pulmonary disease, cancer, food allergies/intolerance, osteoporosis and more. Shelton’s bright, positive outlook helps her patients feel empowered to make the necessary dietary and lifestyle changes to improve their overall health and well-being.
“I was always interested in the medical field and helping people, but I also had a love for preparing food,” said Shelton. “I felt becoming a registered dietitian would marry these two interests nicely. I enjoy hands-on patient care and improving people’s health through nutrition therapy.”
Shelton collaborates closely with the medical team at the Kane Center’s Joseph C. & Ann S. Day Medical Center, providing a convenient, on-site resource for patients in need of dietary therapy, particularly those living with chronic diseases like diabetes. Patients receive a complete nutrition assessment and a realistic, individualized nutrition care plan based on lifestyle, medical history and food preferences.
Dietitian services are available to the general public and do not require a referral from the Day Medical Center. This new service line is part of the Healthy Living Solution for Seniors initiative, which formally launches June 1. The initiative, funded by the Joseph C. Day Foundation, is aimed at encouraging all seniors to take advantage of the Kane Center’s comprehensive health and wellness services so they can maintain active and healthy lives.
To schedule an appointment with Christy Shelton, call (904) 860-4400. Shelton’s office hours at the Kane Center are on Mondays only from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information about the Healthy Living Solution for Seniors will be available in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
