WITH more than half of nursing home residents malnourished, Australian dietitians are calling for greater involvement in ensuring proper nutrition of this vulnerable group.
The Dietitians Association of Australia wants all residential aged care homes to involve an accredited practising dietitian when unplanned weight loss is recorded.
Commonwealth subsidised residential aged care homes are now required to collect and report on three clinical quality indicators: unplanned weight loss, pressure injuries and use of physical restraint, under the National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator Program.
Nutrition is a key component of the three quality indicators. Malnutrition, poor appetite, muscle loss, illness and medications, are all common causes of unplanned weight loss. Impacts of ageing such as a decrease in sense of taste and smell, changes to oral health, swallowing difficulties, and reduced nutrient absorption also contribute to weight decline.
Unplanned weight loss leads to a loss in muscle and fat stores, heightening the risk of pressure injuries. Without adequate intake of protein and energy, wound healing is delayed, further exacerbating health issues.
Malnutrition can also arise from the use of physical restraints.
"The greater the health impact, the more challenging it is for a resident to regain their health," said DAA chief executive Robert Hunt.
"While the National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator Program ensures the recording of valuable information, for some residents, acting at this point will be too late. It is critical to implement food and nutrition support to prevent the deterioration of residents' health."
Mr Hunt said APD's were a greatly underutilised resource within the aged care sector.
"APDs are key to managing the nutrition care of older Australians. They identify nutrition health issues and implement a food-focused solution. Across clinical and food service areas, APDs have the skills to assess and enhance care provided, supporting residents to optimise their health," said Mr Hunt.
Older Australians have cared for all of us at some point in our lives. We now have a duty of care to provide adequate nutrition that is vital for their physical and mental health.
- Robert Hunt, Dietitians Association of Australia
"Older Australians have cared for all of us at some point in our lives. We now have a duty of care to provide adequate nutrition that is vital for their physical and mental health. Engaging an APD in both community and residential care is critical to support older Australians' quality of life through quality care," said Mr Hunt.