Malnutrition Screening & Prevention

Supporting Better Health and Quality of Life for Aged Care Residents

At Optimum Intake Dietitians, we know that malnutrition is preventable, but only when it’s identified early and managed with care. Weight loss is not a normal part of ageing, and our mission is to ensure that every aged care resident receives the nutrition they need to maintain strength, dignity, and wellbeing.

Why Malnutrition Matters

Malnutrition affects between 22% and 50% of older adults in residential aged care. It increases the risk of:

  • Falls, fractures, and pressure injuries

  • Poor wound healing and infection

  • Hospitalisation and delayed recovery

  • Depression, fatigue, and reduced quality of life

  • Higher rates of mortality

The World Health Organisation recognises malnutrition as one of six key contributors to physical and mental decline in older adults. Addressing malnutrition is not just a clinical priority, it’s a human right and a quality-of-life imperative.

Compliance With the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards

Under Standard 6: Food and Nutrition and Standard 3: The Care, aged care providers must demonstrate:

  • Routine screening and monitoring of nutritional risk

  • Timely referrals to qualified professionals

  • A whole-of-organisation commitment to nourishment, choice, and wellbeing

  • Evidence of continuous improvement and resident outcomes

Optimum Intake Dietitians help you meet and exceed these requirements, aligning with the Aged Care Quality Standards and the Basic Daily Fee Supplement for Food & Nutrition.

Our Approach to Malnutrition Screening

We support your care team to build a culture where:

  • Weight loss is investigated, not normalised

  • All staff understand the importance of nutrition

  • Early intervention is standard practice

Our service includes:

  • Reviewing and selecting the most appropriate malnutrition screening tool (e.g. MNA-SF, MUST)

  • Establishing appropriate screening frequency (monthly, admission, change in condition)

  • Training care staff in screening, documentation, and referral protocols

  • Creating referral pathways to Accredited Practising Dietitians

  • Supporting the Nutrition Care Process, including planning, intervention, and review

  • Providing clear documentation standards and ongoing evaluation

We promote a food-first approach wherever possible and introduce Oral Nutrition Supplements only when clinically indicated and monitored for effectiveness.

Our Impact in Facilities

Facilities who have partnered with Optimum Intake Dietitians report:

  • Earlier detection of residents at risk

  • Decreased unplanned weight loss

  • Reduced reliance on costly supplements

  • Improved compliance with aged care audits and quality indicators

  • Enhanced resident health outcomes and satisfaction

Our reports and screening frameworks are also aligned with the expectations of the Quality Indicator Program and provide documentation that supports funding and care planning.

Partner With Us

Malnutrition screening is a cost-effective, evidence-based intervention that can dramatically enhance resident outcomes and organisational performance.

Together we can build a proactive nutrition culture.
Contact Optimum Intake Dietitians to arrange a consultation and support your team to implement or enhance your screening processes.