NEWS RELEASE
COMFORT KEEPERS BARRIE
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At least one in nine seniors is at risk of going hungry due to the inability to obtain food for their household, or from having to choose between food and medical care, according to The Mayo clinic.
This month, Comfort Keepers in Barrie is asking the community to make food donations to their Feed Seniors Now food drive. This drive will help local seniors and will raise awareness for this growing epidemic that impacts millions of older Canadians.
“At Comfort Keepers, we believe that everyone deserves to live with connection, purpose and joy. For seniors in our community, living the highest quality of life starts with having their basic needs met,” said Erika Rendon, company CEO in Barrie. “We cannot fight every factor affecting hunger, but we can start here in our community by creating awareness about the issue, collecting donations and educating families about the signs of hunger and malnutrition in their senior loved ones.”
Too many seniors are not having their nutritional needs met. Changes in our bodies as we age, and changing dietary needs, can make healthy eating more difficult for older adults.
One in three hospital patients is malnourished upon admission and almost one-third of Canadian patients’ experiences declines in nutritional status while in the hospital.
The health risks associated with malnutrition can be especially concerning for seniors. Symptoms can include:
- Weakened immune system
- Poor wound healing
- Muscle weakness
- Weight loss
- Dental issues
In response to a growing need for awareness about senior nutrition, Comfort Keepers offices across the U.S. and Canada are participating in the nationwide Feed Seniors Now campaign. This drive aims to help seniors preserve their independence by providing diet and nutrition information, encouragement and necessities.
“The good news is, there are things that seniors and their families can do to ensure that nutrition needs are being met. In addition to talking with a healthcare professional, one of the best things that families can do is eat meals together and make family dinners a social occasion,” said Erika Rendon. “Finding budget friendly, nutritious food and shopping together can also help. And there are options for seniors that need extra assistance getting groceries or preparing meals. Comfort Keepers caregivers can help with meal planning, grocery shopping, meal preparation and support for physician-prescribed diets.”
For more information on the local Feed Seniors Now food drive, please contact your local Comfort Keepers office at 705-728-8222.
For more than two decades, Comfort Keepers has been elevating the human spirit through its in-home care network for seniors and other adults by empowering them to maintain their independence and realize joy in the everyday moments. For more information, visit www.comfortkeepers.com.
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