Case Study: Nutrition Support for an Older Adult With Chronic Limited Mobility

Case Study: Nutrition Support for an Older Adult With Chronic Limited Mobility

Prepared by Chef’s Care Corporation

Written: February 2026

Service Type: Non-medical, in-home meal care and nutrition support

Duration of Engagement: 6 months

Patient Profile

• Age: 82-year-old male

• Living Situation: Private residence (Libertyville, IL)

• Care History: Multiple hospital admissions and skilled rehabilitation facility stays over the prior 18 months

  Functional Challenges:

  • Chronic limited mobility due to multiple falls resulting in injury to the left shoulder

  • Chronic osteoarthritis in the right hip impacting gait and weight-bearing tolerance

  • High fall risk requiring caution with standing, transfers, and prolonged activity

  • Fatigue and reduced standing tolerance

  • Loss of appetite following repeated transitions of care

  • Difficulty preparing meals independently

The patient was clinically stable and residing at home but experienced ongoing difficulty maintaining consistent nutrition once skilled services concluded.

The Challenge

Following discharge from skilled rehabilitation, the patient faced gaps in day-to-day execution of nutrition guidance. Although dietary recommendations were provided during hospital and rehab stays, the patient struggled to:

• Prepare meals safely due to mobility limitations

• Maintain consistent meal timing and adequate intake

• Sustain appetite when relying on reheated or convenience foods

Family members were concerned about declining strength and recurring hospital visits but were unable to provide daily, hands-on meal support.

The Support Provided

Chef’s Care was engaged to provide non-medical, in-home meal care focused on supporting nutrition consistency and daily routines.

Scope of services included:

• Fresh meal preparation in the patient’s home

• Protein-forward meals aligned with existing dietary guidance

• Elimination of the need for prolonged standing, lifting, or meal planning

• Consistent scheduling to support routine and appetite

• Non-clinical observation of practical challenges related to meal execution

Chef’s Care did not provide medical treatment, dietary prescriptions, or clinical assessments. All services were delivered in alignment with the existing care plan.

Observed Outcomes (Non-Clinical)

Over a six-month period, family members and caregivers reported observable, non-clinical improvements, including:

• More consistent meal intake and improved adherence to daily nutrition routines

• Increased willingness to eat meals prepared fresh in the home versus packaged or reheated options

• Gradual improvement in reported energy levels

• Improved participation in daily activities

• Observable gains in strength and limited mobility, including increased tolerance for standing and movement within the home

Following six months of consistent in-home meal support, the patient attended a routine primary care visit. According to family feedback, the provider noted overall improvement in the patient’s general health indicators. These observations are shared for context only and were not assessed or verified by Chef’s Care.

Why This Case Matters

This case illustrates how non-medical, in-home nutrition support can benefit patients who are:

• Clinically stable but functionally limited

• Experiencing repeated transitions between hospital, rehabilitation, and home

• No longer eligible for skilled services yet not fully independent

By addressing execution gaps, rather than clinical needs; Chef’s Care supported greater stability, confidence, and continuity in the home setting.

Key Takeaway

For older adults with chronic limited mobility and ongoing nutrition challenges, fresh, in-home meal preparation can play a meaningful role in supporting strength, routine, and independence—while respecting clinical boundaries and preserving care team authority.