Malnutrition is a growing concern in the UK health and social care sectors, impacting the overall health, recovery and quality of life of residents in care settings.
Dysphagia – difficulty swallowing – affects up to 75% of care home residents. Among those with dysphagia, up to 52% suffer from malnutrition. Supporting this, a further report by the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (BAPEN) states that nearly half (45%) of all adults screened across health and care settings in the UK were found to be at risk of disease-related malnutrition, with a significant proportion residing in care homes.
A BAPEN report also showed that while in 90% of care homes in the UK, nutrition screening was standard, there were inconsistencies in using and calibrating the equipment as well as translating the findings into care plans for individuals.
These figures showcase the critical need for comprehensive, whole team training in care settings to effectively identify and manage dysphagia and reduce the risk of malnutrition.
The impact of malnutrition on health and quality of life
Malnutrition – characterised by insufficient intake of energy, protein, or nutrients – is particularly detrimental for older adults and individuals with conditions like dysphagia. This issue, often under-recognised and undertreated, has severe consequences, including increased vulnerability to illness, delayed recovery and higher mortality rates.
Common consequences include:
- Weakened immune systems, leading to higher infection risks.
- Muscle wastage and frailty, reducing mobility and independence.
- Slower recovery from illness or surgery, prolonging hospital stays.
- Poor mental health, with increased depression, confusion and lethargy.
Residents with dysphagia are especially vulnerable to malnutrition as difficulties with swallowing often lead to reduced food intake or reliance on unsuitable, unmodified diets.
Early recognition and management
One of the main barriers to combating dysphagia and malnutrition is a lack of awareness and early recognition of symptoms. Too often, teams rely on individual champions or senior staff for guidance, but this approach leaves gaps when those individuals are unavailable or leave their roles. Recognising malnutrition and symptoms of dysphagia requires vigilance and knowledge from everyone involved in a resident’s care – from kitchen staff to care assistants, nurses, and managers.
Whole team training equips care home teams to:
- Identify the early signs of dysphagia and other symptoms of malnutrition, such as unintended weight loss, reduced appetite and fatigue.
- Modify meals effectively, adhering to IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative) guidelines to cater for residents with dysphagia.
- Ensure accurate referrals to dietitians or Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) teams for timely interventions.
- Improve mealtime experiences, offering bespoke catering solutions and encouraging residents to eat well and stay hydrated, safely.
As highlighted in our recent white paper, produced with Care England, an inclusive training approach not only empowers teams to manage dysphagia but also plays a key role in tackling malnutrition across care settings.
Why this matters NOW
Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, highlights the urgency of addressing malnutrition, stating: “Malnutrition is a silent crisis in care homes. It is entirely preventable, but it requires a comprehensive, whole team approach to training. By ensuring that all staff are equipped with the right knowledge and skills, we can deliver safer care, reduce hospital admissions and vastly improve residents’ quality of life.”
Data from Age UK further reinforces the scale of the issue, with 1 in 10 older adults in the UK estimated to be malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. The consequences extend beyond physical health; malnutrition can exacerbate cognitive decline, increase falls and significantly reduce independence.
The call for proactive training
To reduce the impacts of conditions such as dysphagia in exacerbating malnutrition, care providers must move towards sustained, whole team training. This approach promotes collaboration, consistency, and increases confidence across teams, reducing the risks associated with dysphagia and improving residents’ quality of life.
Explore how whole team training can transform dysphagia care in your organisation and help combat malnutrition
Download the white paper we’ve developed in collaboration with Care England to learn how sustained training strategies using validated, up to date resources can address the risks of dysphagia, including malnutrition, and improve resident outcomes and quality of life.
Download the White Paper Now
For further information on our award-winning training bundles incorporating the Eating, Drinking & Swallowing Competency Framework and Catering for Dysphagia Diets and IDDSI, get in touch: info@oakhouse-kitchen.com
Explore more on: oakhouse-kitchen.com
Comments
Login/Register to leave a comment