Nutritional Care of Older Adult Residents Living in Long-Term Care Facilities

Abstract

An estimated one-fifth to one half (17.5%-50.5%) of the older adult residents living in long-term care facilities are either malnourished or at risk of malnourishment. Malnutrition in older adults is related to frailty, sarcopenia, anemia, falls, morbidity, and mortality. Monitoring nutritional status and instituting appropriate nutritional care plans in long-term care facilities can help prevent the development of disabilities in older adult residents and reduce long-term healthcare expenditures. In this article, after introducing the primary diagnostic tests for malnutrition, the three main nutritional care principles are presented in the following categories: non-specific health problems, specific-health problems, and dehydration are presented. Next, the behavioral-environmental factors of nutritional care are defined. Finally, the related challenges and practical recommendations are discussed.