Nutritional Intervention Via Videoconferencing for Older Adults Receiving Home Care - A Pilot Study

Malnutrition is common in aged home care clients and that affects negatively the health of aged people. Nutritional screening is recommended for early detection of malnutrition.

The aim was to assess the nutritional status and food intake of home care receivers and improve their nutrient intake with tailored nutritional advice administered via videoconferencing.

Intervention with follow-up.

Home care in the city of Helsinki.

25 older (>65 years) adults receiving home care.

After an initial assessment determining their needs, participants received tailored nutritional advice via videoconferencing over a six-month follow-up period.

Participants nutritional status was assessed with a Mini Nutritional Assessment -test (MNA). Nutrient intake was calculated based on a detailed three-day food diary compiled twice during the six-month follow-up period.

Altogether 25 persons participated in the study (mean age 78.5 years, 88 % females). According to the MNA test 80 % were at risk of malnutrition at the outset. Energy (1329 kcal) and mean nutrient intakes of protein (54 g) and folic acid (210 μg), for example, were inadequate. After six months of intervention, the mean energy intake had increased to 1450 (SD 319) kcal, protein to 65 (SD 20) g, and folic acid to 231 (SD 105) μg per day.

The energy, protein and other nutrient intake of the study participants increased during the six-month intervention. Videoconferencing seemed to be a well-accepted and feasible method for providing nutritional advice to older home care clients.