Malnutrition Screening
This website focuses on protein-energy malnutrition. This type of malnutrition may happen when a person is unable to meet their protein and/or energy needs. Older people may be more vulnerable to protein-energy malnutrition due to one or more of the following reasons:
- eating less
- increased nutrition needs
- less able to absorb foods.
Malnutrition is a major health problem which often goes unrecognised and therefore untreated. Malnutrition affects around five to 11 per cent of community living older people in Australia. In most cases, the clients you see day to day will be well nourished and will not need any help. Malnutrition risk screening is a quick, cost-effective way to identify people with nutrition problems that may require more support.
The information on this page will help staff and volunteers to identify if a client is at risk of malnutrition.
- Malnutrition background – information on what malnutrition is, prevalence and causes, and ways to identify and support clients.
- What is the Malnutrition Screening Tool – an explanation of what the tool is and how to use it.
The information on this website and in the online training is provided for general information and educational purposes only. If you have any health concerns or think you are at risk of malnutrition, talk to your GP.
For health and community service staff and volunteers
The following tools and resources can be used to identify if a client is at risk of malnutrition.
- Malnutrition Screening Tool
- Nutrition Risk Identification Questions
- Malnutrition Screening Tool referral form
The following videos show examples of how to use the Malnutrition Screening Tool and the Nutrition Risk Identification Questions:
For more information about malnutrition, complete the free Malnutrition in Older People online training.
Where to get help
For help using the screening tools, contact the CHSP Nutrition Service. Your email will be followed up by a team member supporting your local area.
If you have identified a client as being ‘at high risk of malnutrition’ using the screening tools, there are three ways for them to access an Accredited Practising Dietitian:
- Contact your closest Tasmanian Nutrition and Dietetics Department using the referral form. They will provide your client with one-on-one nutrition counselling and support. Please note: wait times vary.
- Referral via My Aged Care – note: this option is currently available in the South and North West.
- A private Accredited Practising Dietitian - note: there will be a cost involved, or speak to your GP about a health care plan.
Funded by the Australian Government Department of Health. Visit the Department of Health website (www.health.gov.au) for more information.
Although funding for this webpage has been provided by the Australian Government, the material contained herein does not necessarily represent the views or policies of the Australian Government.