When people think of a dietitian, they often picture someone focused on weight loss or healthy eating. But for Susan Snitynsky, one of only two registered dietitians at Carefor Health & Community Services in Ottawa, her work looks very different.
“I always say what we do at Carefor is clinical nutrition,” Susan explains. “We’re not doing health promotion or weight management. We’re helping people who have acute nutritional concerns — people whose ability to eat, digest, or absorb food has been disrupted by illness or medical treatment.”
As part of Carefor’s Allied Health team, Susan works primarily with seniors and clients living with serious health challenges such as cancer, dementia, or those requiring tube feeding. Her clients are often recently discharged from hospital and still recovering from surgery, chemotherapy, or other treatments. “The best way to describe it,” she says, “is that I’m basically a hospital dietitian working in the community.”
Her work is highly specialized — and mathematical. For clients who rely on tube feeding, Susan calculates precise energy, protein, and fluid requirements, determines the right formula, and designs a feeding schedule that meets their needs. “It’s all hands-off for me,” she says. “The nurses handle the equipment and teaching, and I handle the numbers. But we work closely together to make sure clients are getting the nutrition they need safely.”
Other clients are living with dementia and may forget to eat, forget they’ve already eaten, or struggle with chewing and swallowing. “In those cases, it’s about optimizing what they can eat and focusing on comfort and quality of life,” Susan says. “If someone’s favourite food is pumpkin pie, that’s fine. Calories and hydration come first.”
Because many of her clients are nearing the end of life, Susan’s approach to nutrition is compassionate and realistic. “In palliative care, we do what’s called comfort feeding. The goal isn’t long-term health — it’s dignity, enjoyment, and comfort,” she explains. “Sometimes that means saying, ‘Eat whatever brings you joy.’”
Each day, Susan visits three to four clients in their homes, retirement residences, or group homes across Ottawa. The work is independent, unpredictable, and deeply human. “No two days are ever the same,” she says. “You go from seeing someone with gastric cancer to someone with advanced Alzheimer’s — and in both cases, nutrition can make a huge difference in their comfort and well-being.”
Much of Susan’s work involves supporting caregivers — often spouses or adult children — who are trying to help loved ones eat when they’ve lost their appetite or ability to swallow. “Families want to do something, and feeding feels like a way to help,” she says. “A big part of my role is coaching and reassuring them. Sometimes, not forcing food is the kindest thing you can do.”
After more than two years with Carefor, Susan has found her niche. “I love being on the road, meeting people where they live, and seeing how much small changes can impact someone’s quality of life,” she says. “It’s incredibly rewarding work.”
Behind the scenes, dietitians like Susan are essential to Carefor’s mission of helping people remain safe and comfortable at home. Quietly and compassionately, she helps people nourish not just their bodies — but their dignity and independence, too.