Nutrition in care homes and home care: recommendations - a summary based on the report approved by the Council of Europe

Abstract

Undernutrition in home care and care home settings has been acknowledged as a situation with various causes and significant consequences on both an individual and social level. A review article exposing this problem has been recently published. Consequently, scientific experts and other stakeholders were involved in formulating recommendations to tackle undernutrition and sensitize political authorities. The forum held in Brussels and its proceedings were considered as a baseline to interview stakeholders involved in care homes and home care in order to propose solutions on different levels. A full report including guidelines was sent and accepted by the Council of Europe, and can be used as a basis for implementing strategies on a national and international level. A multidisciplinary approach is important to successfully tackle malnutrition on multiple levels: the patients, the health care workers (medical and non-medical), the public, policy makers and society stakeholders. Awareness for patients and caregivers is important; this can be obtained by information and appropriate training. Care home management and kitchen staff activities can be modified in order to promote nutrition. Policy makers should create legal frameworks to confront malnutrition as being a public health concern. Undernutrition in home care and care home settings is a considerable problem and confrontation involves a multidisciplinary approach.