We conducted a questionnaire survey among 222 patients receiving home visits for nutrition guidance in the suburbs of Atsugi City, Kanagawa Pref. The questions concerned the clients who requested the guidance, the names of subjects' major diseases, the problem and how meals were served to them. Care managers topped the list of clients at 94, the most frequently cited disease was cerebrovascular diseases at 99, and the problem with meals was the nutrition care for those with dysphagia at 158. Those with problems of dysphagia were further studied regarding the outcome of the nutrition guidance programs. The situation improved in 50 people (31.6%), remained unchanged in 66 (41.8%), aggravated in 23 (14.6%), and unknown in 19 (12.0%). It is very important for those receiving care at home not to aggravate their current status but improve it, and we believe that the nutrition guidance program by home visit should take into consideration the environments of patients and should intervene to at least maintain the current situation. We also found that those with dysphagia and eating disorders had problems of poor oral hygiene. Thus, we believe that knowledge and skills of oral care and adjustment of postures of those being assisted are necessary in addition to guidance in nutrition.

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