How Food Insecurity Can Impact Older Adults
Many older adults who live alone face a problem known as food insecurity. Food insecurity is defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as “a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy lifestyle.” It can sometimes be hard to tell if your aging relative is suffering from food insecurity, especially if you don’t live close by, but for many older adults, it is a problem that is all too real.
Homecare in Glenolden PA: Senior Food Insecurity
What Causes Food Insecurity?
For older adults, food insecurity has a couple of possible causes:
-Money: After retirement, seniors may be on a fixed income that is lower than what they once earned. They may struggle to purchase healthy food.
-Transportation: Older adults may not have easy access to grocery stores because they no longer drive.
-Disability: Disabilities, both physical and cognitive, can make it hard for seniors to prepare balanced meals for themselves.
How Can You Tell If a Senior Isn’t Eating Well?
It may be hard to tell that your senior family member isn’t eating enough or that their diet isn’t balanced. Some clues that can tell you about their nutritional status are:
-Eating Habits: Find out as much as possible about the older adult’s eating habits. If possible, eat with them at home. Find out if they are able to shop for food and how they get to the store. Look in the cupboards to see if there is enough food on a regular basis.
-Weight Loss: Pay attention to whether the older adult is losing weight. Watch for changes in the way their clothes fit.
-Physical Symptoms: Improper nutrition can cause physical ailments like weakness, wounds that don’t heal well, and dental problems.
Ultimately, if the senior’s nutrition does not improve, it could lead to serious complications, like:
- Weakened immune system.
- Weak muscles.
- Decreased bone mass.
- Higher risk of being hospitalized.
- Increased risk of death.
Can Elder Care Help with Food Insecurity?
Depending on the cause of the problem, elder care can assist seniors who suffer from food insecurity. First, elder care providers can help seniors to plan healthy meals and make a grocery list. Elder care providers can drive older adults to the store and help them to shop, reading the tiny print on food labels and carrying heavy bags. Elder care providers can also cook food and offer companionship during meals. If your aging relative needs help to eat, a home care provider can assist with that, too. Elder care providers can even clean up the kitchen afterward.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Homecare in Glenolden, PA, please contact the friendly staff at Suma Home Care. Call today: (484) 206-4544
Sources
Hungerandhealth.feedingamerica.org
Ibrahim recently completed a Professional Certificate in Management; He is currently pursuing a Masters in Business Administrations (MBA) at a prestigious university in the UK.
With their passion for helping others and a strong background in customer services and clinical care, Ibrahim and his wife started assisting individuals in their homes.
Since started and operating Suma Home Care in 2010 in the basement of their home, Suma Home Care has provided professionals who work endlessly in providing clients with the highest quality of care, while enabling clients to maintain dignity, comfort and safety in their homes.
Suma Home Care, serves four counties in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery and Philadelphia. Ibrahim is firmly connected to his local community and is always looking for ways to give back whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Ibrahim enjoys spending time with his wife and children, travelling and enjoys sports.
Mariama Suma-Keita BSN RN
Born in Sierra Leone west Africa, relocated to America in 1999 from a civil war and settled since in the U.S.A as a Naturalized citizen Graduated from National school of nursing with an associate , and completed BSN in Nursing from Immaculata University graduated with Honor roll Alpha Lambda sigma, After escaping the war served as a refugee nurse in Gambia and Guinea to other displaced refugees before coming to America.
In the states started in Homecare then then transition into hospital, worked in Jefferson hospital as a Registered nurse on Tele and general medsurg floor, also worked in Einstein hospital as an oncology transplant nurse , I realized that I enjoy working with patients so much and believe in quality and compassionate care one at a time dealing with an holistic approach in caring for patients and family in a familiar environment called home , I see the impact and progress when they’re home , it makes them feel relax and progress fast with recovering at home. As a nurse and entrepreneur I understand that dedication to meeting people and families needs is a priority, and able to foster relationships with family and patients that is professional and friendly to help them stay and settled home as a desire.
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