Malnutrition and Dehydration

There is a difference in nutritional needs in the elderly compared to younger adults.

The elderly needs fewer calories and fewer vitamins and minerals in their food.

Any weight loss or weight gain in a patient should be reported to a supervisor.

Protein needs increase during acute illness or surgery.

A diet that does not contain needed amounts of protein, vitamins and minerals may slow the healing of a wound.

Someone who cannot eat enough food at a meal because of fatigue or poor appetite must wait until the next meal to eat (it is healthier to eat only three meals per day).

Signs of malnutrition include tiredness, weight loss and slow healing of a wound or sore.

In the elderly, decreased thirst and poor intake of fluids could lead to dehydration.

A person whose body severely lacks fluid can suffer heart and blood vessel collapse and even death if not treated quickly.

When you pinch the skin on the back of someone’s hand, it will spring back to normal quickly if the person is dehydrated.