Undernutrition and housebound older people

Abstract

AbstractAim: This paper outlines approaches to dealing with undernutrition in the older person.Method: A series of case studies is presented to expose principles of practice for management of undernutrition in the older person.Results: Screening is a necessary first step. A more in‐depth assessment of those at‐risk may reveal contributory factors that if addressed, would result in better nutritional health outcomes. Preservation of muscle mass through adequate caloric and protein intake and exercise is important. Nutritional supplementation has been shown to reduce mortality risk and improve weight. A daily multivitamin may offer some benefit. Weight loss is also seen commonly in older people with dementia. There is a need to understand why this occurs as this could guide management strategies. There is also a need to consider conservative management when dysphagia occurs in the later stages of dementia. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding may not necessarily have that much to offer.Conclusion: In older people, the prevalence of undernutrition increases with increasing frailty. If not treated, undernutrition is costly both to the individual and society.