From the Mayo Clinic: Older adults are at risk of inadequate nutrition - malnutrition - as a result of inappropriate dietary choices, low income, difficulty obtaining food, and various physical and mental health conditions. Additional causes of inadequate nutrition:
- Changes in taste, smell and appetite generally decline with age making it more difficult to enjoy eating and keep regular eating habits.
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing, poor dental health, or limited ability in handling tableware can contribute to malnutrition.
- Dementia. Behavioral or memory problems from Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia can result in forgetting to eat, not buying groceries or other behavioral side effects of confusion.
- Medications. Some medications can affect appetite or the
ability to absorb nutrients. - Restricted diets. Dietary restrictions for managing medical conditions — such as limits on salt, fat or sugar — might also contribute to reduced caloric intake.
- Reduced social contact. Older adults who eat alone might not enjoy meals as before and lose interest in cooking and eating.
- Alcoholism. Too much alcohol can interfere with the digestion and absorption of nutrients and cause poor eating habits.
Symptoms of Malnutrition
- Weight loss
- Muscle weakness and fatigue
- Complaints of feeling tired all day and lack of energy
- Ongoing infections
- Prolonged healing of small wounds and cuts
- Irritability
- Dizziness & lightheadedness
- Dry/brittle skin & hair
Patient Teaching for Prevention of Malnutrition
- Eat/drink small meals every 3-4 hours. Avoid going long periods of time without eating. Your stomach will shrink.
- Gradually eat more food each day...Your stomach will expand over time.
- Keep a food and beverage diary. Learn when, what, and how much you eat and drink.
- Snack! Snacks may help if you are having trouble eating enough at mealtimes.
- Exercise! It will help you build muscle and increase your appetite. Your body may compensate or even overcompensate for the calories that you burn exercising.
- Eat a variety of different foods – vegetables, dairy, protein, fruit, carbohydrates and/or fats at mealtime.
- Keep your pantry, fridge, and freezer well stocked with foods you like to eat. It's tough to gain weight when there’s no food - you like - around.
- Choose high-calorie, high-nutrient foods that are less filling: dried fruit, bananas, nuts and seeds, potatoes, peas, and corn.
- Try to eat more quickly. It takes a few minutes for your stomach's signals of fullness to register. Try to put more food on your fork. Avoid putting your fork down in between bites.
- Use larger cups, plates, bowls, et cetera. You will probably be able to eat more without really thinking about it.
- Make meals social events. Drop by during mealtime or invite the older adult to your home for occasional meals. Go out to eat at a restaurant with senior discounts. Encourage participation in social programs where members of the community can eat together.
Home Health Coding: Medicare Do's & Don'ts under PDGM
Does Your Home Health Orientation Include These 11 Policies?
