Countermeasures against malnutrition among older adults at comprehensive community support centers and the challenges faced by registered dietitians

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the status of nutrition management for older adults as perceived by comprehensive community support centers and the strengthening of collaboration with registered dietitians in comprehensive community care systems. We conducted a questionnaire survey at comprehensive community support centers in Tokyo and Kanagawa from July to August 2023. Data regarding nutritional management and multidisciplinary collaboration for local older adults were obtained. The comprehensive community support centers held consultations related to nutrition for local older adults, and specialists provided nutritional support. However, the implementation of nutritional assessments and management based on dietary surveys was low. It was found that comprehensive community support centers collaborate with various professionals, but only 12.5% of them regularly collaborate with registered dietitians. Different expectations are placed on registered dietitians regarding the nutritional management of older adults. In addition to the active intervention of dietitians, it is important to improve the nutrition management system by strengthening the collaboration between community comprehensive support centers and dietitians, and by assigning dietitians.