Malnutrition in elderly tackled

People in their 80s and 90s are the most vulnerable to malnutrition

A scheme to stop malnutrition in care homes for the elderly is to be rolled out across the Peterborough.

The screening programme was piloted in six care homes and cut malnutrition by a third, said NHS Peterborough who worked with the firm, Nutricia Ltd.

NHS dietician Alison Smith said once spotted the problem was easy to treat and could improve quality of life.

But Ms Smith said the pilot had also resulted in fewer GP and hospital visits.

The scheme used a "food first" approach, with supplements prescribed subsequently if that did not meet residents' nutritional requirements.

Ms Smith said malnutrition was a "largely forgotten problem" which they took very seriously.

"Unfortunately, malnutrition is all too common in older people, particularly those with poor physical and mental health, which means they need professional help to look after themselves," she said.

Once people at risk are identified a care plan is agreed which includes encouraging them to have regular nutritious meals, snacks and drinks and might include a supplement available on prescription from their GP for those at a high risk.