How nurses can effectively assess nutrition in the community

What is it about?

Malnutrition is a growing problem among older adults in the UK, especially those living at home. It affects their health and quality of life, and increases pressure on the healthcare system. This article explores how community nurses can help by looking beyond standard checklists to spot early signs of poor nutrition. As nurses often visit people at home, they can see things that might not be obvious in hospital. Things like food availability, eating habits, or signs of isolation.

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Photo by Ello on Unsplash

Photo by Ello on Unsplash

Why is it important?

By using both assessment tools and observations, nurses can create personalised care plans that address not just food intake, but also emotional and social needs. Taking this whole-person approach can help to prevent malnutrition and support better health for older people living in the community.