Treating Malnutrition at Home

The information provided on these pages is intended for patients already under the care of the Nutrition and Dietetic Team.

A Lot Out of a Little (Nottinghamshire Healthcare)

If an individual has a poor appetite or has lost weight, simple changes to meals and snacks can make a difference. This resource provides ideas for while appetite is poor or while weight gain is a priority.

 

Diabetes and nutrition support

This resource outlines nutrition support advice for individuals with diabetes that are underweight or losing weight unintentionally.

 

Dried Skimmed Milk Powder

For individuals with a small appetite and/or are at risk of malnutrition, then dried skimmed milk powder can be used to fortify the diet. This resource provides more information on ways to use dried milk powder and outlines examples of products.

 

Eatwell Guide

The Eatwell Guide shows how much of what we eat overall should come from each food group to achieve a healthy, balanced diet.

 

Food Fact Sheet: Prevention and management of pressure injuries (British Dietetic Association)

Pressure ulcers (also known as pressure sores) occur when the skin and surrounding tissue is damaged by medical devices or the weight of the body pressing down. This restricts blood flow and the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the area.

 

Food Fortification - Applying it to the diet

Video on food fortification and how it can be applied to the diet.

 

Food Fortification 1: Foods that can be used for fortification

Food fortification can be an easy way to increase calorie intake without increasing portion sizes for individuals with a small appetite. This resource outlines the foods that can be used for fortification and suggested amounts.

 

Food Fortification 2: Serving suggestions and ideas

Food fortification can be an easy way to increase calorie intake without increasing portion sizes for individuals with a small appetite. This resource follows on from Food Fortification 1, providing ways that certain foods can be fortified.

 

Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST)

As outlined by British Association for Parental and Enteral Nutrition (BAPEN), 'MUST' is a five-step screening tool to identify adults who are malnourished, at risk of malnutrition (undernutrition), or obese.

 

Nourishing Drinks

Nourishing drinks can be used to supplement food intake between meals for individuals with a small appetite. This resource outlines recipe ideas.

 

Preventing dehydration in older adults

Around 70% of the body is made up of fluid, so drinking enough is essential for good health. Staying hydrated is important for physical benefits (e.g. keeping skin healthy, waste and toxin removal, temperature regulation), and mental benefits (e.g. reduced tiredness and confusion).

 

Snacks

If an individual has a poor appetite, weight loss or low BMI, at least two snacks a day are recommended. This resource outlines examples of high energy/protein snacks.

 

Treating Malnutrition in Dementia

Video with practical tips on supporting individuals with a dementia diagnosis to eat well.