An 82-year-old man was admitted to the hospital after a fall at home, which resulted in a fractured hip. During the initial assessment, the nursing staff noted that the patient appeared frail and had significant weight loss over the past few months. His daughter reported that he had been eating very little and had become increasingly withdrawn, spending most of his time sitting in a chair and rarely engaging in activities he once enjoyed. The patient's medical history included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and hypertension. He lived alone in a small apartment and relied on a meal delivery service, which had been inconsistent due to his financial constraints. A dietary assessment revealed that his caloric intake was well below the recommended levels for his age and health status. The patient was also found to have low serum albumin levels and anaemia.During the clinical examination, the physician observed signs of muscle wasting and poor skin turgor. The patient's ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) was significantly impaired, and he needed assistance with basic tasks such as dressing and bathing. The healthcare team initiated a comprehensive management plan that included nutritional counselling, supplementation with protein shakes, and coordination with a social worker to address his financial and living situation.
After a few days of nutritional support in the hospital, the patient began to show improvements in energy levels and appetite. A follow-up plan was established to ensure continued support upon discharge, including referrals to a dietitian and community resources for meals and social engagement to prevent further malnutrition.