Nutrition and fluid in weakened residents

Food and drink may sound self-evident, but in weakened and ill people, too little of either can quickly become a serious health problem. As a social and health assistant, you are close to the citizen's everyday life and often the first to notice that someone is eating less than normal.

The Danish Health Authority points out in 'Nutritional Interventions for the Elderly Medical Patient' (2017) that unintended weight loss is one of the most alarming signs of malnutrition in the elderly. Lack of appetite, reduced interest in food or changed eating habits can also be early signs. Malnutrition makes the person weaker, increases the risk of infections and falls, and can prolong hospital stays.

To identify citizens at risk, the Health Authority recommends using a validated nutritional assessment form (EVS) for citizens over 65 years in the municipal intervention, which is used to investigate unintended weight loss in more detail. The form records, among other things, eating habits, weight development and meal content. A targeted nutritional intervention can prevent further weight loss, reduce the risk of complications and shorten hospital stays.

• 01Does the resident eat less than normal, or leave meals untouched?
• 02Has clothing or trousers become too large recently?
• 03Does the citizen seem more tired weak or unstable on their legs?
• 04Are there signs of thirst, dry mouth or dark urine indicating dehydration?
• 05Does the citizen have difficulty chewing or swallowing?

Weakened and elderly citizens often drink too little, partly because the feeling of thirst decreases with age, or because they deliberately drink less out of fear of incontinence. Too little fluid increases the risk of confusion, constipation, urinary tract infection and falls. You can make a big difference by offering drink regularly throughout the day instead of only at mealtimes.

• 01Make mealtime a good experience – quiet, good aids and respect for the citizen's own pace.
• 02Adapt consistency and portion size if the citizen has difficulty eating large amounts.
• 03Enrichment of food with more fat or protein in smaller portions can be arranged with a dietician or nurse if there is suspicion of malnutrition.
• 04Observe and document changes in appetite, weight, and fluid intake and pass them on.

“A weight loss nobody noticed is far more dangerous than one that is discovered and acted on in time.”