So, does this mean that the Elderly in long term care (LTC) facilities shouldn't follow a controlled diet?  Yes, to a point.

One of the leading causes of illness in the LTC setting is malnutrition and dehydration.  Because of very strict dietary regimens, elderly residents tend to eat less.  If an elderly resident is not eating well (less than 80%) then an 1800 Kcal ADA diet would inappropriate for this resident.  The goal of calorie restricted diets is to prevent over eating...giving the healthy individual a place to start and end.  A calorie restricted diet in LTC may end up actually be more harmful.  Liberalizing the diet to one that does not contain any concentrated sugars may be more appropriate.

Medications also play a role in taste perception.  Some medications may leave a bad taste in the mouth causing a loss of appetite, and some medications can cause constipation leaving the individual to feel full and bloated causing a loss of appetite.

There comes a time in everyone's life that we must chose between quality and quantity.  If the quality of life is affected because of a restricted diet, then maybe the restriction should be liberalized.  Unless is poses a serious effect to the health and well being, such as regular food given to someone on a modified consistency diet or banana's given to someone with kidney disease, then check with your family physician and/dietitian to see if diet liberalization is appropriate.