Nursing homes introduction / facts

The Facts

Malnutrition affects approximately one-third of patients living in nursing homes or care homes. Multi-morbidity is thought to be the most important cause of malnutrition in these persons. With increasing age the burden of chronic and acute disease increases, which directly influences the balance of nutritional needs and intake.  Malnutrition is associated with functional decline or failing functional recovery after hospitalization, an increased risk for life-threatening complications like sepsis and delirium, increased risk of non-elective hospital readmission, poor quality of life and increased mortality. 

Therefore, nursing homes and care homes are now paying more attention to the prevention and treatment of malnutrition. Improving meal ambiance has been proven to be a succesfull method to improve a patient's nutritional intake. Early detection of malnutrition is another method.