Keeping nourished

If you think you or someone close to you might be malnourished, it's worth raising the issue with your (or their) GP who may decide a referral to a dietitian would be helpful
However, some simple changes can make a big difference to the quality of your diet, and they don't have to cost a lot of money. There are also valuable services available that can help provide nutritious meals.
Things to consider include:
* Adding a little of a high fat food such as margarine to a potato to get more energy from a smaller amount of food.
* Spreading peanut or other nut butters on crackers or raw vegies, and sprinkling chopped nuts or wheat germ on your cereal or yoghurt to increase the nutrient content.
* Snacking on fruit or cheese as a between-meal snack, especially if large meals cannot be tolerated.
* Bulk cooking when more expensive foods like meat are on special at the supermarket. Buying in bulk and splitting the cost of groceries with friends or family helps budgeting.
* If you are unable to shop for groceries you may be able to qualify for assistance from a social worker and should request an aged services assessment from the local hospital.
* Linking into food services like Meals on Wheels which provide nutritious meals for people on a budget.
* Sharing meals with other people has been shown to increase intake due to social interaction. The local council may have a dining room where you can join other older people to have Meals on Wheels services.