Malnutrition on ‘budget radar’

Dietitians are urging political parties to put nutrition on the radar in lead up to federal election, with one of three key areas for consideration to prevent and treat malnutrition in older Australians.

In its recent pre-budget submission to the government, the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) highlighted three key areas for consideration:

• preventing and treating malnutrition in older Australians;
• establishing a national program for Home Enteral Nutrition; and
• expanding access to Accredited Practising Dietitians under Medicare.

DAA chief executive, Claire Hewat, said: “Malnutrition affects up to one in three communityliving older people, and between 40% to 70% of those in residential aged care facilities. For a country like Australia, this is not acceptable,” said Ms Hewat.   

She said DAA is calling for a national program for screening and assessing malnutrition in older people, and uniform guidelines to meet the food and fluid needs of these Australians.

DAA is also urging the government to bring in a national system for Home Enteral Nutrition, for people relying on home tube feeding and nutrition support. 

“Health will continue to be a key focus for both sides of government as the election approaches. We believe these three areas must be addressed if the government is serious about improving the health of Australians and saving health care dollars.” 

DAA represents more than 5,000 dietitians, nutritionists and nutrition scientists, with expertise in the nutritional needs of Australians.