One in 8 tenants in sheltered housing at risk of malnutrition, reveals new report

A new report from GNASH (Group on Nutrition and Sheltered Housing) led by BAPEN has established that 14% (c. 1 in 8) of tenants in sheltered housing in England are at risk of malnutrition, with 9% at high risk. The GNASH Report Screening for Malnutrition in Sheltered Housing was launched on Tuesday 12 May 2009 at the House of Commons by Paul Burstow MP.

Based on a population of 700,000 of tenants in sheltered housing in England, it is estimated therefore that, at any one time, there are more individuals at risk of malnutrition in sheltered housing than there are in hospital.

Professor Marinos Elia, Chair of GNASH and of BAPEN's Malnutrition Action Group commented, "The findings from the project confirm that malnutrition is common among this population group, and re-confirms that most malnutrition starts in the community.
Working with the GNASH members from the sheltered housing sector has provided us with an opportunity to not only establish prevalence but also to investigate ways to raise awareness and address malnutrition in partnership with scheme managers and tenants."

The GNASH study of 355 tenants in 17 sheltered housing schemes in the North and South of England established that both scheme managers and tenants preferred using BAPEN's 'MUST' (Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool) to establish risk of malnutrition rather than a questionnaire which had been developed for the purpose. The 'MUST' was reported to be quick and easy to use.

"Identifying tenants as being at risk of malnutrition is only part of the story," continued Professor Elia. "It must be linked to an appropriate action and care plan for those at risk."

Imogen Parry, ERoSH's Director of Policy and member of GNASH said, "The GNASH project and Report reveals the large number of tenants in sheltered housing potentially at risk of malnutrition and has helped focus sheltered housing providers' attention on the issue. Now we must ensure that action is taken to address this issue effectively. I am also pleased to have worked with colleagues in GNASH and CSHS to produce a good practice guide for scheme managers' to help them manage the problem."

Professor Elia concluded, "As the large sheltered housing population tends to be older and potentially more susceptible to malnutrition, finding ways to raise awareness of malnutrition and its impact on quality of life and how it may be addressed will make a very useful contribution to combating malnutrition where much of it starts - in the community."

To order your copy of the report, read more ...