Malnutrition in Elderly Staying in Nursing Homes

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine to malnutrition of elderly receiving care in either public or private nursing home. Methods: This descriptive study sampling of the study was comprised of 308 elderly, who were living in public and private homes for the elderly in Ankara. Data were collected by using an interview form, the Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA), the Standardized Mini-Mental Test (SMMT), and the Barthel index. Result: The study results found that 28.57% of subjects suffered from malnutrition and 44.48% were at risk for malnutrition in elderly person living in nursing homes. Furthermore, 27.3% of study participants were found to have sensory losses, 53.6% had gastrointestinal problems, and 40% had deficiencies in their oral and dental health. Those suffering from gastrointestinal problems have a lower mean nutritional score (MNA) (p<0.05). Conclusion: Results of this study demonstrated a higher incidence of malnutrition among the elderly receiving care in public or private nursing home