Nutrition and the elderly health
Did you know:
patients diagnosed with malnutrition stay in the hospital three times longer than other patients?
surgical patients with malnutrition are four times more likely to develop pressure
ulcers?
nurses are the healthcare professionals who typically conduct nutrition screening as part of admission assessment?
Today, we know that disease-related malnutrition is prevalent and linked to poor patient outcomes, higher readmission rates, and increased costs. Nurses can and should participate in identifying, preventing, and treating malnutrition. (See Nurse’s role in nutrition care.) This entails a partnership between registered dietitians (RDs) and registered nurses (RNs), with clear interdisciplinary communication throughout the patient’s care trajectory.
The Joint Commission requires nutrition screening for all hospital patients within 24 hours of admission to identify those who may be malnourished or at risk for malnutrition. Assessment findings determine if the patient requires a detailed nutrition assessment. In most cases, nurses perform this screening as part of the general admission assessment.
Aging involves so many physiological changes that can impact the nutritional status of seniors. And poor nutrition, in turn, can affect everything in seniors from physical health to mental health.
Malnutrition is not just about not having enough to eat. It is also caused by poor food choices that lead to dietary deficiencies, inadequate food intake, increased nutrient loss, and poor nutritional absorption. That’s why it’s extremely important that their caregivers stay vigilant when it comes to making sure seniors are eating correctly.
Factors that can affect food intake include
Decreased sense of taste and smell that occurs in aging.
Poor oral health or ill-fitting dentures that lead to difficulty chewing.
Conditions such as osteoarthritis that limits mobility, making it difficult for a senior to shop for food.
Chronic gastric issues like gastritis and indigestion may lead to avoiding healthy foods, such as fruits, and vegetables.
Problems caused by malnutrition in seniors
Health concerns that can be caused by poor nutrition include:
A weak immune system, which increases the risk of infections.
Poor wound healing.
Muscle weakness and decreased bone mass.
A higher risk of hospitalization.
An increased risk of death.
Nutrition requirements for seniors
The brain requires certain nutrients to function, and as a person ages, those needs change a bit. Older adults need calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, fiber, and potassium. Coldwater fish, nuts, and dark-skinned vegetables and fruits are all things the elderly need in their diet.
If you’re unsure, you can find some guidelines for healthy eating for older adults at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The National Institute of Health recommends some “food shifts” you can make to go from eating poorly to eating what’s best for your health.
Family Directed
Family Directed connects individuals needing in-home care with experienced, trusted, and affordable caregivers. From grocery shopping and cooking to feeding, we can help you find a caregiver that will support your meal needs.
Care24 gives the greatest home care nursing services in several places to make certain to enable you will acquire above any health problems. Obtain in touch with your will or go to each of our blogs.
