Of older adults hospitalized, 40-60% are malnourished or at risk for malnutrition. Progression to malnutrition may be subtle or undetected. Geriatric patients face nutrition related complications including: loss of muscle mass, compromised immune systems, increased complications with illness and premature death. These complications can manifest themselves as falls, prolonged hospitalizations, readmission following discharge and pressure ulcers. While individual outcomes related to these complications are important, the cost of adverse events affects the overall financial health of the entire healthcare system as most are non reimbursable by Medicare, Medicaid and many private insurances.
