Malnutrition is a deficiency or excess of energy, protein and other nutrients which causes measurable adverse effects on the body, like skeletal muscle loss and composition.  It also impairs body function and clinical outcomes. Malnutrition can occur gradually or rapidly. In addition to the minimum amount of food required to meet nutritional needs, elderly people often require extra food to assist them in healing and recovery. It is important to remember that malnutrition can affect any person of any shape or size. Someone who is obese and eating too much of the wrong kind of food can be just as malnourished as someone who is underweight. Malnutrition reduces quality of life.

The provision of food that meets their nutritional needs is critical to maintaining optimal physical and mental health. An understanding of the nutritional needs in this group of people and how aging and illness can alter theses needs is critical. It helps those in the health care team to identify nutrition related issues and implement appropriate strategies.

This course has been developed to provide those who work within the community care sector, plus individual carers, with an understanding of the nutritional needs of those living in the community. 

With premium videos and downloadable resources to use around your organisation, this course provides an understanding of:

• the importance of nutrition
• the consequences of inadequate nutrition
• why those living in the community are at risk of inadequate nutrition, and
• how to provide best nutrition for those living in the community.

This course has been developed in partnership with the University of South Australia. The University of South Australia is Australia’s University of Enterprise, linked globally and nationally with academic, research and industry partners.

Unit ID - 26119

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