Geriatric Care Resources

These materials are intended to be used by clinicians caring for geriatric patients.

Resources for Older Adults

The causes of malnutrition in older adults are a complex blend of physical, social, and psychological issues — from the loss of appetite due to depression to the inability to get to the store for groceries. Here are some resources to help seniors:

• Malnutrition: A Hidden Epidemic in Older Adults from the Alliance for Aging Research. This short "pocket film" covers who is at risk for malnutrition, the debilitating impact it can have on older adults, tips for identifying the condition, and how it can be treated and prevented.
• Nutrition Tips for Seniors with Chronic Conditions from the National Council on Aging offers information on the causes of malnutrition, as well as help in identifying solutions to nutrition problems and preventing malnutrition after a hospital stay. Get tips.
• The Self MNA^® Mini Nutritional Assessment is a simple tool for adults 65 years of age and older and their caregivers to determine if a senior’s nutritional needs are being met and to help identify signs of malnutrition. The results from the Self MNA can be shared and discussed with your doctors. It is available in 12 languages. See the MNA User Guide and video. Download the Mini Nutritional Assessment forms.
• Malnutrition: An Older Adult Crisis Infographic shares 4 steps to improve older-adult malnutrition care. Join ASPEN and Defeat Malnutrition Today in supporting policies across the healthcare system to defeat older-adult malnutrition. Download the infographic.
• Meals on Wheels provides seniors with a nutritious meal, a friendly visit, and a safety check. Click here to find a local program in your area and to see you or your loved one qualifies.
• World Health Organization Guidelines: Integrated care for older people (ICOPE)