Unplanned Weight Loss in Ageing Australians

Causes of Unplanned Weight Loss in Older People 

It is estimated that up to 68% of aged care clients are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. Weight loss often occurs when daily nutritional requirements are not being met.

According to the National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator Program, there are two categories of unplanned weight loss:  

1. Significant unplanned weight loss, where a person loses greater than or equal to 5% of their body weight within three months.
2. Consecutive unplanned weight loss, where a person loses any amount of weight every month for three months in a row.

There are many factors that can contribute to this, including social, physical, psychological, and emotional influences, as well as the care setting itself. 

Examples may include: 

• Social causes – Loss of choice, social withdrawal, eating alone, limited communication, cultural and/or religious factors 
• Physical causes – Illness, medication-related, chewing and swallowing difficulties, reduced intake, oral health, dentures, changes in taste or smell 
• Psychological and emotional causes – Mood disorders, cognitive impairment, grief, loss of enjoyment 
• Care setting causes – Limited staff to assist with eating, limited food choices, inadequate nutritional content, food quality 

Unplanned Weight Loss Under the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards  

The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission’s (ACQSC) Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards require unplanned weight loss to be assessed and managed. Standard 5 requires processes to support each individual's nutritional and hydration needs. This includes conducting regular malnutrition screenings, managing the impact of chronic conditions on nutrition, and responding promptly when a resident is at risk of malnutrition or has experienced malnutrition, unplanned weight loss, or unplanned weight gain. 

Keeping Clients Healthy with Right at Home 

Right at Home takes unplanned weight loss and malnutrition in older Australians seriously. We manage client health and wellbeing through tailored in-home care plans that include meal preparation, coordinated dietitian-approved meal deliveries, and person-centred nutrition plans. Our caregivers provide vital support with shopping and errands, assistance with grocery lists or paying bills, and offering meal support through planning and preparation.  

Under the government’s Support at Home program, clinical nutrition is fully government-funded, which means Right at Home can help without strain on personal finances.

This clinical support is delivered through two primary interventions:

1. General Dietetic Care, which involves professional assessments and chronic disease management by an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD)
2. Prescribed Nutrition, which provides specialised oral or enteral (tube) feeding products for those whose needs cannot be met by standard food alone

Support at Home clients can also access ready-made meal delivery and in-home meal preparation services with a co-contribution. Meal assistance is designed to help older Australians sustain their independence at home for longer while ensuring they have access to high-quality nutrition. 

Whether you have government funding or opted for private pay home care services, get the right support with Right at Home today.

Right at Home Australia is a leading provider of quality in-home care. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those we serve ensuring the Right Care, Right at Home™. We support people living with complex and post-operative care needs, dementia and cognitive decline, older Australians, and adults living with a disability including NDIS participants. Our tailored services help clients to remain safe and independent in their homes. We are an Approved Provider under the Aged Care Act, meaning we can provide government-funded support at home. We also offer private care for those who do not have government funding or who wish to pay privately for top-up care. Right at Home is all about you. We are available 24/7 so contact your local office today. You can also call our national number on 1300 363 802. 

This information is general in nature and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Please seek appropriate professional advice for your individual circumstances. Services are subject to availability and individual eligibility, including applicable funding criteria. Any examples or case studies are illustrative only. Individual experiences and outcomes may vary. Services are delivered by independently owned and operated franchisees under a franchise agreement with Homecare Group Pty Ltd. Experiences may vary by location. To the extent permitted by law, we exclude liability for reliance on this information. Nothing in this material excludes or limits your rights under Australian Consumer Law.

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