In the comfort of home
Volunteers conduct the initial screening when delivering a meal, so clients can remain where they are most comfortable. This reduces common barriers to accessing healthcare screening, such as mobility.
Malnutrition Screening Pilot Program
The Malnutrition Screening Pilot Program supports participating Meals on Wheels member services in NSW to identify older clients who may be at risk of malnutrition and connect them with further support.
With 40% of older Australians living at home at risk of malnutrition or malnourished, this dietitian-designed initiative brings simple, validated screening to the doorstep, where clients are supported by a familiar and trusted face. Meals on Wheels volunteers conduct an initial screening as part of their regular wellness checks, with clear pathways in place for additional assessment, support and referrals.
Turning regular contact into early support
Regular, trusted contact at the doorstep puts Meals on Wheels in a unique position to help identify malnutrition risk. Volunteers do much more than deliver a meal - they check in, have a chat and build relationships with clients week after week. Over time, volunteers can pick up on subtle changes in appetite, appearance, mobility or circumstances that may otherwise go unnoticed.
This is particularly important when it comes to malnutrition, which can develop gradually with signs which are easy to overlook. Older adults are also faced with increasing challenges to accessing regular health screening, including travel difficulties, cost and wait times. Left unchecked, malnutrition can lead to cognitive and functional decline and a higher risk of falls, fractures and hospitalisation.
How it works
Identifying risk early creates an opportunity to connect clients with nutritional support, further assessment or referral to a health professional before it progresses.
As part of the program, volunteers are trained to use four validated, non-clinical questions from the Nutrition Checklist, a tool developed by the UK’s Patients Association in 2018 to help identify older people who may be at risk of malnutrition.
If concerns are identified, there is a clear pathway for next steps, including further assessment using the Self-Mini Nutritional Assessment, referral to the client’s GP and additional support where needed. Tailored training and support for participating services is provided by Meals on Wheels NSW Network Support Accredited Practising Dietitian, Denise Chapman.
This process is repeated every 6 months or when concerns arise in line with best practice guidelines.
It's a practical approach that builds on what Meals on Wheels already does well: using community connection to help older adults stay well and independent at home for longer.
Familiar, trusted support
Meals on Wheels volunteers see the same clients face to face, most weeks of the year. A volunteer can notice changes in appearance, mobility or wellbeing over time.
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Backed by dietitian expertise
Evidence-based, validated screening tools and referral pathways are in place, supported by our Accredited Practising Dietitian.
Frequently Asked Questions
The initial screening is offered by a volunteer during a regular meal delivery and takes less than five minutes. Before getting started, the volunteer will check that the client is comfortable taking part, with no pressure or obligation to do so. The screening involves four simple questions about appetite, interest in eating and signs of recent weight loss. After the screening, the volunteer will provide the client with a practical nutrition resource, and the Meals on Wheels service will follow up if any concerns are identified.
The Malnutrition Screening Pilot Program is currently only available in participating Meals on Wheels services. Contact your local Meals on Wheels or call us on 1300 679 669 to find out if it is available near you.
Malnutrition can develop when your body isn't getting enough energy or nutrients to meet its needs. It can happen gradually, and changes in your appetite, weight or eating habits aren't always easy to notice. Over time, malnutrition can affect your strength, energy and wellbeing, increasing your risk of falls, illness and hospitalisation.
Malnutrition screening is a simple way to:
- Recognise possible signs early
- Connect you with support and advice
- Support your health and independence to continue doing the things that matter to you
References
Rist G, Miles G, Karimi L. The presence of malnutrition in community-living older adults receiving home nursing services. Nutr Diet. 2012. doi:10.1111/j.1747-0080.2011.01572.x.
The Patients Association. Nutrition checklist. London: The Patients Association; 2018. Available from: https://www.patients-association.org.uk/patients-association-nutrition-checklist-toolkit
Meals on Wheels programs in NSW
Meals on Wheels NSW works alongside member services to develop and deliver innovative programs that support older people to live well and independently at home. This includes initiatives such as the Sound Bites Pilot Program with Macquarie University, which brings free hearing checks into clients’ homes with the support of trusted Meals on Wheels volunteers.
