Malnutrition in the elderly

Nutritional status of nursing home residents in Taiwan

The purpose of this study was to explore the nutritional status of nursing home residents. A convenience sample of 111 residents from four nursing homes in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, was recruited. The residents' nutritional status was assessed on the basis of body mass index (BMI) and serum albumin level. Data on demographic characteristics, cognitive function, activities of daily living, and mode of feeding were collected and examined for association with nutritional status. Among the subjects, 41.1% had a BMI of less than 18.5 kg/m² and 18.9% had a serum albumin level of less than 3.5 g/dl. Mode of feeding was a significant predictor of malnutrition. When compared with residents on oral feedings, those on nasogastric (NG) feedings had four times the risk of a low BMI and about eight times the risk of a low albumin level. In conclusion, it is important to regularly assess the physical function and nutritional status of nursing home residents and adjust their dietary intake accordingly.

Elder Abuse and Neglect in Long-Term Care

Patient and caregiver education and other interventions targeted toward risk factors or types of abuse or neglect play an invaluable role in preventing elder abuse and mistreatment.

Nutritional status of older people in long term care settings: current status and future directions

Despite being preventable and treatable, in the 21st Century, malnutrition remains a problem in the developed world and the nutritional needs of many older people in long-term care settings are not met. The UK government has pledged to provide high-quality care for this sector of the population, including minimum standards to ensure adequate nutrition. However, research is still needed into the detection, prevalence, cause and effects of malnutrition and maintenance of optimum nutrition; and to address the lack of training and education among those caring for older peoples. In the interim, simple measures such as monitoring older people's weight regularly need to be implemented as a surveillance measure of nutritional status.