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Many Nursing Home Residents Malnourished

Wed, 10/04/2000 - 12:00am — Karen Stevenson
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A study done by the Commonwealth Fund reports that studies using a variety of measurements and performed over the last five to 10 years on different nursing home subgroups have shown that from 35%-85% of U.S. nursing home residents are malnourished and 30%-50% are substandard in body weight. Sarah Greene Burger, executive director of the National Citizens' Coalition for Nursing Home Reform was one of the authors of the study. The authors placed part of the blame for the problems with malnourishment and dehydration on inadequate staffing. They say typical nursing home staffing levels have 7-9 residents per aide during the day and 12-15 during evening hours. The study's authors noted that a 2-1 staffing ratio would be preferable.

The study also points out that, although eating habits and food likes and dislikes are highly individualized, most nursing home residents do not have a choice of food. Also, even though increasing numbers of minority elders are entering nursing homes, western food is often served to all, regardless of ethnicity. Other reasons for malnutrition are the decreases in taste, smell, and appetite that often occur in old age; depression; medications that affect appetite; cognitive impairment; poor oral health; and swallowing disorders.

A study done by the Commonwealth Fund reports that studies using a variety of measurements and performed over the last five to 10 years on different nursing home subgroups have shown that from 35%-85% of U.S. nursing home residents are malnourished and 30%-50% are substandard in body weight. Sarah Greene Burger, executive director of the National Citizens' Coalition for Nursing Home Reform was one of the authors of the study. The authors placed part of the blame for the problems with malnourishment and dehydration on inadequate staffing. They say typical nursing home staffing levels have 7-9 residents per aide during the day and 12-15 during evening hours. The study's authors noted that a 2-1 staffing ratio would be preferable.

The study also points out that, although eating habits and food likes and dislikes are highly individualized, most nursing home residents do not have a choice of food. Also, even though increasing numbers of minority elders are entering nursing homes, western food is often served to all, regardless of ethnicity. Other reasons for malnutrition are the decreases in taste, smell, and appetite that often occur in old age; depression; medications that affect appetite; cognitive impairment; poor oral health; and swallowing disorders.