Care Home residents are often prescribed Oral Nutritional Supplements (ONS) to prevent and treat malnutrition. Supplement prescribing costs are high. Food First should be the first line approach. The Care Home Dietitians worked collaboratively with Care Homes to trial provision of fortified milkshake drinks to replace or reduce ONS.
The results were a staggering 45% reduction in ONS – an actual saving of £18750 in 3 months across 15 care homes, with the potential saving of over £250k per annum in GP prescribing costs if expanded across all SET Care Homes, whilst maintaining nutritional status.
• Fortified milkshake recipes were produced collaboratively with Chef taking into consideration equipment and ingredients available, resident preference, cost and any budget restrictions.
• Clinical review of residents was completed to identify who was suitable to replace ONS with fortified milkshake
• Training sessions were provided to Care Home nursing and care staff to update them on project
• Compliance with fortified milkshakes was audited throughout project and support provided to homes
• Review of residents clinical status completed
The outcomes of this trial were:
• 67% residents maintained their nutritional status during trial
• 45% reduction in ONS – cost saving over 3 months in15 care homes = £18750.
• Feedback from home manager after participating in project: “we have done our weights and we are so excited to see you – it is great news!” “the residents are really enjoying fortified drinks particularly Oreo®️ biscuit”
This was initially trialled in one Care Home. Due to the success and outcomes it is now established in a further 14 homes, with plans to roll out to all SET Care Homes.
