Malnutrition and Older People

Malnutrition (as undernutrition) is a significant public health issue. 1 in 10 older people in Scotland today are at risk of, or living with malnutrition, however from our own prevalence data, we think this may be an underestimate, with as many as 20-30% of older people living in the community at risk.

We have developed a variety of resources for anyone working, caring or volunteering with older people to help raise better awareness of malnutrition and how to support older people with eating and drinking well.

Our Malnutrition Advice Line 0131 447 8151 is available for those aged 65+ living in Scotland, or anyone concerned about an older person.

Raising the Issue of Malnutrition Training

Delivered online via Zoom, Our Raising the Issue of Malnutrition training aims to increase your knowledge and confidence on:
•Common signs and symptoms of malnutrition.
•Guidance around supporting individuals using Food First advice.
•Utilising simple tools such as the Patient Association Nutrition Checklist to identify at risk individuals.
•Gaining awareness of promoting good nutrition and hydration in older people.

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Malnutrition Toolkit

Currently there is no routine screening for malnutrition in the community, therefore it is vital to make every contact count and collect screening data to build a true picture of the problem.

Our toolkit supports you with practical resources to start the conversation about eating and drinking well with older people and easy to use screening tools to identify malnutrition risk.

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Care at Home Resources

We recognise that carers and care organisations can play a vital role in supporting older people at risk.

Our training videos have been developed in partnership with Dundee Health & Social Care Partnership and NHS Tayside to help domiciliary carers with identifying malnutrition risk, and how to support older people who may be struggling to eat and drink well at home.

This training is informal and is supported by multiple care agencies including the Care Inspectorate.

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Our Care at Home: Malnutrition Screening Packs are also available to help you and your organisation to feel confident in addressing malnutrition with the older people you care for.

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For further information and resources please visit our Eat Well Age Well website.