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Post by Banker on Apr 26, 2012 16:16:33 GMT 7
New research suggests one-third of older Australians receiving home care are at risk of being malnourished. The Melbourne-based study conducted by the Dietitians Association of Australia also found eight per cent of all people assessed were malnourished, while one in five were underweight. Dietitian Georgie Rist, who led the study, said older Australians were struggling to afford healthy food. "There's been lots of reports lately saying that it is extremely difficult to live adequately, even on the pension," Ms Rist told AAP on Thursday. Being malnourished increased the chances of an early admission to hospital and nursing homes, she said. "If we can address malnutrition in the community, we can also decrease the burden on the healthcare system." The Dietitian Association of Australia is calling for state and federal governments to fund routine nutrition screening and intervention programs for the elderly. Ms Rist said federal funds were needed, particularly given the Gillard government's recent push to encourage more older Australians to seek care at home. Prime Minister Julia Gillard said last week her government would spend $3.7 billion over the next five years to increase in-home care options and attract more workers to the sector. The malnutrition study released on Thursday assessed 235 people aged 65 years and older, over a three-month period. The majority were on a pension, with an annual income of less than $30,000, and lived at home. news.ninemsn.com.au/health/8457757/pensioners-face-malnutrition-risk-study
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