Feasibility of Nutritional Telemonitoring in Elderly Home Care Patients

Pilot Study to Assess the Feasibility and Potential Impact of Nutritional Telemonitoring in Community Dwelling Elderly People Receiving Home Care

An optimal nutritional status is essential for healthy ageing. Telemonitoring might contribute to maintaining or improving nutritional status in elderly people.The objectives of this pilot study are to test the feasibility, acceptability and implementation fidelity of telemonitoring of nutritional parameters in community-dwelling older adults; to test the study procedures for effect evaluation; and to determine the likelihood of achieving desired impact on the primary and secondary outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:

Having a care referral for at least one of the following types of care:

• Domestic care
• Personal care
• Nursing care
• Individual or group support

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe cognitive impairment (Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) < 20)
• Receiving terminal care
• Expected length of receiving home care < three months
• Not having a television at home
• Clients with a visual impairment (not able to watch the television screen)
• Clients with a physical impairment in such a way, that they are not able to use the telemonitoring system
• Clients with nursing home care