Undernutrition and Overnutrition Can Be Identified and Addressed in Long-Term Care Residents: A Performance Improvement Project

Malnutrition is a global health problem in older adults, underestimated in health care settings. SNAQ is a validated, reliable tool to identify older people at high risk of malnutrition. SNAQ ≤ 14 indicates reduced appetite and >5% weight loss in 6 months and those at risk for significant malnutrition. Overnutrition and obesity are also associated with poor outcomes including hospitalization and death. Providers of care must address nutritional disorders in long-term care.