30% OF OLDER PEOPLE LIVING IN THE COMMUNITY ARE AT RISK OF UNDERNUTRITION
food, pushing individuals toward cheaper, less nutritious options.
• Health conditions: Chronic illnesses, digestive disorders, and mental health issues can affect appetite, digestion, and the body's ability to absorb nutrients.
• Limited awareness: Some people may not recognize the signs of malnutrition or its severity, further delaying intervention.
Practical tips: ‘Ask, look, listen’. Ask: How is your customer's appetite? has it changed and are there any difficulties with cutting, chewing or swallowing food? Do they feel they are eating and drinking enough? Have they noticed any unplanned weight loss? Do they have any new or long-term concerns about their abilities to shop, prepare and cook food? Do they have worries about their finances?
Look: Look carefully to assess how well the person is doing. Always be on the lookout for tell- tale signs of unplanned weight loss such as looser clothing, loose belts or rings or dentures. What is their ability in climbing stairs or walking
short distances outside and other activities of daily living. Have they undertaken a new caring role or have they been caring for some time.
Keep your eyes open for other signs. Are there difficulties with mobility, have any local shops closed making access to shopping difficult? Is there access to public transport to get to the shops? Can they do their shopping? Are there empty fridges and store cupboards? Do they have a functioning fridge, freezer, cooker, hob, microwave?
Listen: Listen carefully to what older people are telling you. It may not be directly about eating and drinking, it could be about loss, feeling lonely and low, about losing interest and the lack of energy to take part in their normal hobbies or pastimes.
The pharmacist's crucial role in combatting malnutrition Pharmacists are often the most accessible healthcare professionals for many individuals. We interact with patients regularly, creating opportunities to identify signs of malnutrition and offer guidance and support.
Here's how pharmacists can make a substantial impact:
Education and counselling Pharmacists can provide basic nutritional advice, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients. Recommending appropriate dietary supplements can help bridge nutrient gaps, especially for individuals with dietary restrictions or absorption issues.
Referral and collaboration Pharmacists can collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as dietitians and general practitioners, to ensure comprehensive care for malnourished patients. We can connect patients with local community resources, such as food banks or meal delivery services, to address food insecurity.
Medication management Pharmacists can review patients' medications to identify any that might affect appetite, digestion, or nutrient absorption and consult with prescribers for adjustments if needed. Addressing medication side effects that impact appetite or digestion can improve overall nutritional intake.
Conclusion: Uniting against malnutrition Malnutrition is a pervasive yet often overlooked issue that affects individuals of all ages in our communities. As pharmacists, we have an important role in identifying, addressing, and preventing malnutrition - ensuring a healthier, more nourished future for all.
Get involved: useful links The Malnutrition Task Force was established in 2012 and provides information and practical guidance for everyone to help combat preventable undernutrition and dehydration in later life.
https://www.malnutritiontaskforce.org.uk/
BAPEN is a Charitable Association that raises awareness of malnutrition and works to advance the nutritional care of patients and those at risk from malnutrition in the wider community.
https://www.bapen.org.uk
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