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Nutritional status in an academic nursing home
A J Silver1, J E Morley, L S Strome
1Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Sepulveda, CA 91343.
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|June 1, 1988
Summary
Elderly patients in nursing homes face malnutrition risks. This study found similar nutritional risks across age groups, with weight loss occurring even with stable albumin levels.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nutrition Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Inadequate nutrition is a significant concern for the elderly population.
- Patients in long-term care facilities are at high risk for malnutrition, despite supervision.
- Existing nutritional assessments may not fully capture malnutrition in this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate nutritional parameters and risk factors in elderly nursing home residents.
- To compare nutritional status in an academic nursing home setting versus other facilities.
- To identify key indicators of malnutrition in older adults.
Main Methods:
- Assessed 130 nursing home patients, with two-thirds over 65 years old.
- Evaluated nutritional parameters: weight loss, body weight percentage, serum albumin, anthropometrics, and skin testing.
- Determined functional status, feeding type, and associated diseases.
Main Results:
- Nutritional risk factors were consistent across different age groups within the nursing home.
- A notable percentage of patients experienced weight loss while maintaining serum albumin levels.
- The academic nursing home setting showed less evidence of malnutrition compared to other studied facilities.
Conclusions:
- Weight loss can occur in elderly patients even with normal serum albumin levels.
- Nutritional risk assessment in nursing homes requires a comprehensive approach.
- Academic nursing home environments may offer protective factors against malnutrition in the elderly.