AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

March 23, 2000

AASA: BH #2000-008
RE: Nutrition Alert

Dear Boarding Home Provider:

Enclosed is a brief information sheet calling attention to four nutrition-related conditions:

• unintended weight loss;
• dehydration;
• pressure ulcers; and
• complications from tube feedings.

This information was originally developed by the Nutrition Screening Initiative. While the information is directed primarily to nursing facilities, there are occasions when this information may also be relevant to serving residents of boarding homes.

Please be aware boarding home licensing regulations have not changed. Specifically, limitations remain on boarding homes serving residents with skin breakdown or residents who use tube feedings, as specified in regulation and explained in Interim Guidelines # 18 Nurse Delegation in Boarding Homes, # 19 Bed Bound Residents and Nursing Care Issues in Boarding Homes, # 20 Limited Nursing Services in Boarding Homes; and # 28 Tube Feedings in Boarding Homes.

The intent of providing this information is to assist you in noting potential warning signs of nutrition related problems and to describe appropriate responses.

Please call your Area Manager if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Patricia K. Lashway, Director
Residential Care Services

Enclosure