-
Poor nutrition.
-
Assessment of warning signs:
-
Disease, illness, or chronic condition that changes eating habits/pattern; also emotional problems: confusion, depression, or sadness.
-
Eating too little or too much, skipping meals, drinking more than 1-2 alcoholic beverages daily.
-
Missing, loose, or rotten teeth or ill-fitting dentures.
-
Spending less than 25-30 dollars per week on food.
-
Living alone.
-
Taking multiple medications with increased chance for side effects (change in taste, constipation, weakness, drowsiness, diarrhea, nausea).
-
Unplanned weight loss or gain.
-
Problems with self-care (walking, shopping, buying and preparing food).
-
Age >80 (frail elderly).
-
Nursing goal: promote optimal nutritional health for the older adult.