Abstract
It was hypothesized that there would be a high prevalence of nutrition related problems in older adults in personal care homes (21 homes, 80 residents, 79 ± 9 years of age, 86% Caucasian, 11% Black, 2% Hispanic). All homes were licensed and had 2 to 15 residents. Nutritional status was assessed by anthropometric indices, the Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA), and feeding behavior problems. Caregivers provided all information except for the anthropometric and cognitive indices. Most caregivers (95%) reported that the residents did not have nutritional problems. However, among the residents, 55% were at risk for malnutrition (MNA * 17.5–23), 9% were undernourished (MNA < 17), 28% had low body weight (BMI < 21kg/m2), 24% had lost > 3kg in the previous three months, 20% had tricep skinfolds < 5th percentile, 51% had one or more feeding behavior problems, 65% took three or more medications daily, and 23% had severe cognitive impairment Among caregivers, 25% indicated that on a daily basis they provided < 2 servings of dairy foods, 28% provided < 1 serving of meat, fish, and/or poultry, 71% provided < 1 serving of dark green vegetables, and 52% provided < 1 serving of orange/yellow vegetables. These findings suggest that many elders in personal care homes are at nutritional risk and that their caregivers might benefit from nutrition education directed toward nutritional screening techniques and meal planning. In Georgia, these types of nutrition education programs are now being offered through our Cooperative Extension Service and can be used to help meet the state licensing requirements for personal care homes.
Published Version
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