How American Senior Communities improved resident well-being & reduced costs with Dietitians On Demand 

The challenge: Staffing gaps & maintaining high standards 

American Senior Communities (ASC), a leading senior living organization in Indiana, has always set nutrition standards above state and federal requirements — because quality care is their priority. 

But in 2024, staffing shortages threatened those standards. With a shrinking talent pipeline and fewer dietitians entering long-term care, Joy Vanderwielen-Roach, MS, RDN, Senior Director of Culinary and Nutrition Services, needed a new strategy to keep her communities running at full capacity. 

“We want to provide residents with the care and consultation they deserve and need,” Joy said. 

The solution: Partnering with Dietitians On Demand 

Recognizing the challenge, Joy turned to Dietitians On Demand — with a national footprint–to fill critical staffing gaps. The partnership allowed ASC to: 

• Ensure every resident received 100% of their care plan 
• Maintain the integrity of ASC’s policies and procedures 
• Reduce reliance on costly supplements by prioritizing a food-first approach 

Without support, Joy’s team would have had to shift resources around — potentially leaving vital care areas short-staffed. Instead, Dietitians On Demand provided a highly qualified dietitian who seamlessly integrated into ASC’s team, keeping operations running smoothly. 

The results: A seamless transition & long-term success 

The impact was immediate: 

• Resident well-being improved. “Our residents are happier when they spend more time with the dietitian,” Joy shared. 
• Cost savings were realized. By choosing not to cover shifts herself, Joy was able to focus on her managerial duties, such as overseeing supplement orders and monitoring overtime. 
• Quality of care was preserved. DOD support allowed ASC to continue going above and beyond to meet resident needs based on acuity, instead of standard state requirements. 

In fact, the consultant dietitian placed at ASC was such a perfect fit that she transitioned to a permanent full-time role. 

“We are so blessed that it worked out,” Joy said. “It was a win-win for everyone.” 

A dietitian’s perspective on the transition 

For Shannon Kramer, RD, the transition from Dietitians On Demand consultant to ASC employee was seamless: 

“As a mom of small children, ASC’s flexibility was a huge factor in my decision to go full-time. I already felt comfortable with the staff and their procedures, so stepping into a permanent role felt natural.” 

The bigger picture: Why investing in dietitians matters 

ASC’s experience highlights a growing industry need: Justifying the value of dietitians in long-term care. 

•  A food-first approach keeps costs down. 
• Without a dietitian, facilities often rely on expensive supplements rather than tailored, therapeutic diets. Meals are already part of the budget — why not maximize their impact?
• Therapeutic diets lower medical costs. Proper nutrition helps prevent malnutrition, pressure ulcers, infections, and muscle loss —reducing hospital admissions and costly medical interventions. 

The takeaway 

By partnering with Dietitians On Demand, ASC was able to: 

• Maintain their high-quality standards despite industry-wide staffing challenges 
• Improve resident happiness and health outcomes 
• Reduce unnecessary costs associated with food waste and supplements 

Never satisfied with the status quo, ASC continues to evolve and innovate — ensuring the best possible care for residents, their families, and their healthcare partners. 

Dietitians On Demand is proud to support ASC in that mission. For more information about American Senior Communities, visit ASCCare.com.