Experts believe nutrition in the aged needs to be a priority. They say that it should be ensured that the aged get access to good, nutritious food during the winter months.
Lynne Berry, chief executive of the Women's Royal Voluntary Service explained that the elderly lose mobility, or develop cognitive impairment conditions such as dementia and it can become difficult for them to maintain a balanced diet. This was in response to the publication of a report by the National Association of Care Catering, which indicates that one in ten older people are at risk of malnutrition. “This is a timely contribution to the debate at a time when decision makers have to weigh choices about the future of our care services before the conclusion of the spending round,” she said.
The study by the National Association of Care Catering (NACC) found that community meal services for pensioners are disappearing as local authorities have no legal obligation to provide them. The report suggested that by 2033 an estimated quarter of the British population (23 per cent) will be aged over 65, meaning the number of older people suffering from malnutrition is set to rise even further. Research found that many of the aged are forced to adopt care facilities as they become ill due to malnutrition - even though pushing people into care homes is likely to cost the UK taxpayer more than if they were able to stay in their own home. Malnutrition can also extend hospital stay, increased readmission rates and increased transfer and admission to care homes, all of which raise costs.
The NACC feels investments should be made in the care catering sector rather than cutting these services. The also pointed out that research in Australia has shown that spending £1 on good nutrition is likely to save £5 on the health budget as care packages are reduced.
As an effort to standardize the nutrition policies the NACC and the Caroline Walker Trust have drawn up single Nutrition Standard to be used university in a bid to improve food nutrition. NACC Chairman Derek Johnson said, “The Nutrition Standard will ensure consistency in the nutritional content of food provided throughout the care catering sector…The launch of the standard builds on the 10 Key Characteristics for Good Nutritional Care initiative launched last month…It is however still vital that government support this standard and are committed to providing care for the elderly, not only allowing them a real choice in care services, but also saving the NHS money in the years to come.” At present nutrition recommendations from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) include all ages from 65 upwards, but the needs of older people change with increasing age. The report was made from a roundtable discussion chaired by Baroness Greengross.
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