September 20, 2023 at 2:00 PM Care
BUNNIK Ensuring that clients can continue to enjoy food and drinks: that is Elke Weener’s challenge. Since 2019, she has been working as a dietitian at QuaRijn, often with people who have multiple diseases: “I find it interesting to find out what people can eat.” Important for her clients, because proper nutrition contributes to their health, quality of life and physical recovery. So very essential.
ADVICE
Many clients who come to Elke are ill or have a condition. As a dietitian, she is ideally placed to provide advice on nutrition if, for example, people have diabetes, cardiovascular disease or stomach and intestinal complaints. But she also encounters cases of malnutrition, obesity, poor appetite and chewing and swallowing complaints.
Diets and still good food
What people eat and drink must be tailored to treatments, medications and living conditions. With her advice on healthy nutrition and lifestyle, Elke gives her clients control over their health. “Many people think: now I will never be able to enjoy food again. But fortunately that is a misconception,” she says. “Because a lot is still possible and allowed and it is fun to discover that together.”
DISEASES
Henk initially came to Elke because he was malnourished. The medication for his chronic pancreatitis was not tailored to what he ate. As a result, he was constantly nauseous. His diabetes was also out of control. So there were various diseases that Elke had to deal with. And that worked. Henk has gained weight again and his nausea has disappeared. “Each has taught me to eat well and healthy,” says Henk. What should he pay attention to? “Little fat, because that is not good for anyone,” Henk says. But every now and then he sins a little and eats brown beans with bacon, because that is just too tasty. Elke only applauds when people let go of the rules of life a little bit every now and then.
OFFICE HOURS
Together with colleagues Merel den Hertog and Arlette Klinge, Elke holds consultation hours in various QuaRijn Knowledge and Treatment Centers. She also goes to people’s homes to give advice. General practitioners can refer their patients, but people can also contact them directly. In that case, Elke reports her findings back to the GP. The basic package reimburses three hours per year. “That doesn’t seem like much,” says Elke. “But I spread it as best as possible over the year and then I can still achieve a lot.” And if necessary, people can of course purchase more hours.
HEALTHY FOOD
Good nutrition is essential for everyone, but especially if you are elderly. It ensures better resistance, stronger bones and skin and muscle building. It also helps to reduce complaints when people are ill and increases the quality of life. People feel better and that is very nice if you have a lot to worry about with your health.
TIPS
Elke would like to give a few tips. Continue to eat and drink, even if it is only small portions. If necessary, spread it out a little more throughout the day. If your appetite decreases, eat as much of what you like as possible. Don’t always be too hard on yourself. Elke doesn’t do that either. She also eats a pizza every now and then.
Front office 0343 474 849
kbc@quarijn.nl
www.quarijn.nl
2023-09-20 12:00:00
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