Report targets malnutrition in older people

A new report has been published which aims to help health and social care workers deal with malnutrition in older people.

Entitled 'Prevention and Early Intervention of Malnutrition in Later Life', the report has been produced by the Malnutrition Task Force and addresses the issue of encouraging people in hospitals and care homes to lead healthier lives.

It is estimated that more than one million people aged over 65 in the UK are either malnourished or at risk of malnourishment.

Possible causes include being on a low income, illness or disability and a lack of mobility.

Jane Ashcroft, chair of the English Community Care Association (ECCA) and chief executive of the charity Anchor, has welcomed the report.

"Malnutrition is a very important issue for organisations that provide services to older people and this guidance, published by the Malnutrition Task Force, is an extremely practical and helpful document which can support care homes in improving nutrition," she said.

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