FEATURE NUTRITION
Useful resources for older adults at risk of malnutrition
Resource Intended for Content
Eating well during and after COVID-19 illness
Improving your nutrition during and after COVID-19 illness .
Low malnutrition risk
Medium malnutrition risk
Healthy eating in recovery Accessing foods during social isolation
Optimising food intake Managing symptoms Accessing foods during social isolation
Nutrition support during and after COVID-19
High malnutrition risk As above plus : Food fortification Using supplements
Nutrition at home after critical illness www . bda . uk . com / resource / nutrition-at-home-after-criticalillness . html
Patients recovering at home after hospital discharge
Common eating problems Managing symptoms Food fortification Increasing protein Healthy eating in latter recovery
Guidance for selecting these resources is available at : Managing adult malnutrition COVID-19 illness resource finder : www . malnutritionpathway . co . uk / covid19-resourcetool
pint of whole milk ) to ensure every mouthful makes a difference to intakes . If appropriate , encourage patients to supplement food intake with over the counter nutritious powder based drinks available from supermarkets , pharmacies or online .
Encourage , where feasible , activities of daily care and regular , gentle exercise to boost muscle recovery and stimulate appetite . Where possible , offer support and monitoring with progress towards goals , such as return to a desirable weight , improved stamina or resumption of normal independence .
Finally , you can signpost to dietary advice with relevant content , for example food fortification , dealing with specific symptoms such as loss of taste and smell ( see table above ).
Referrals
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Encourage , where feasible , activities of daily care and regular , gentle exercise to boost muscle recovery and stimulate appetite .
Referral to a registered dietitian for additional input via a local dietetic department is indicated where there is : identified high risk of malnutrition ; ongoing weight loss , poor appetite or difficulties with eating , despite first line food first advice for both medium and high risk of malnutrition ; and an accompanying medical condition , such as type II diabetes , cardiovascular disease or renal disease .
Those with dysphagia should also have input from a speech and language therapist , as they may benefit from texture modification to diet . Some older adults unable to meet needs via diet alone may be prescribed oral nutritional supplements ( ONS ) as a valuable addition to diet . Occupational therapists can play a useful role in encouraging their patients to take the full prescription and in prompting them to discuss options with the prescribers if they encounter difficulties with volume , flavour fatigue or preparation , as alternatives , such as juice based , savoury , compact low volume or ready to drink formats , may be available .
Overcoming barriers The social isolation associated with social distancing , quarantine and shielding can also lead to difficulties accessing food . Home delivery of meals can boost nutrient intakes and lead to improved health outcomes in vulnerable patients .
32 OTnews February 2021