In a new study published this month by BAPEN ( British Association of Parenteral and enteral Nutrition) showed that 42% of people in care homes are at risk of malnutrition. Malnutrition if we break it down means Bad-Nutrition. 'Malus' being Latin for bad. but when malnutrition is talked about in the care setting it is only talked about in the sense of the MUST score and weight loss. This is not the only type of malnutrition! I ( not scientific studies) estimate that nearly 100% of residents and staff in the care setting are at risk or suffering from some sort of malnutrition whether this is the malnutrition we see and know about weight loss, high MUST score, thinning, lack of engagement, frailty... or the hidden ones from poor nutritional intake of not only the Macronutrients that give us energy Carbs, fats, proteins. But also the micronutrients that protect us and help our bodies to function vitamins and minerals, and at this time with a double whammy on the way with Covid and the flu and also with it being coughs and colds season you should be doing everything you can to protect yourselves, your staff and your residents. Some of the issues from malnutrition taken from https://www.bapen.org.uk/pdfs/economic-report-short.pdf General infection: Loss of immune tissue and function, reducing the ability of the body to fight infection Chest infection: Loss of respiratory muscle mass and function, reducing cough pressure and expectoration of mucus/mucus plugs and infected material Skin infections: Thin friable skin, which can be breached easily, allowing microbes to enter through the skin Respiratory failure (and delayed weaning from ventilators) Loss of respiratory muscle strength and early fatigue, predisposing to respiratory failure in those with poor respiratory reserve Hypothermia Loss of insulation (subcutaneous fat) and impaired thermoregulation (central effect) Deep vein thrombosis and embolism: Inactivity and immobility, partly due to loss of muscle mass and function, and partly due to behavioural effects (loss of energy if associated with disease-related malnutrition), predisposes to thromboembolism Pressure ulcers Loss of skin and subcutaneous fat, resulting in greater pressure over bony protuberances, and reduced activity or immobility (see above) Wound complications: Weaker wounds (less collagen deposition) more likely to burst and become infected (see also ‘General infections’ and ‘Skin infections’) Falls: Muscle weakness and/or poor coordination There is not only the cost to the person but also a cost to the bottom line the cost of malnutrition is estimated at about £19.6bn ( England) to the health and social care system that is 15% of the total budget for health and social care with an estimated increase of £5000 per person to treat and look after someone with malnutrition. Although 73% of that cost was on health care and hospital admission, surly at this point in time more than ever the last place you want your residents to go is into hospital with the risk of a positive discharge back into your home. Which could potentially cost you and your staff a lot more. Staff need the correct training and support especially at this time as you and they don't need the added pressure. I can help you and your staff to understand and give you the skills and knowledge to combat malnutrition and at the moment I am doing an offer that will help you create and give your nutritional and catering team all year round support for less than £2 a day!