Page 84 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2020- Online Magazine

HONORING SENIORS
HONORING SENIORS

FEED SENIORS NOW by Lisa Carson

Good nutrition contributes to a superior quality of life for seniors.
One in six seniors struggles with
hunger. At Comfort Keepers of
Lubbock, we help seniors live
healthy, independent lives and
promote senior nutrition through
our Feed Seniors Now initiative
benefitting Lubbock Meals on
Wheels.
Food and funds donated specifically for this program help
As seniors age and change, so do their nutritional needs. ensure that LMOW clients are well- stocked with the items
Making sure those needs are met (in spite of the current that could be critical for their survival. Imagine how especially
Coronavirus pandemic) makes a real difference in their quality useful these items will be if Coronavirus Stay-at-Home orders
of life. prevent or limit Lubbock Meals on Wheels volunteers from
making normal hot meal deliveries for multiple days.
Especially with current conditions often preventing or limiting Food items to be collected are: Instant Cream of Wheat, single
in-person contact with loved ones, caregivers or family serving cereal boxes, gold fish, pretzels, Beanie Weenies,
members should be aware of the signs and symptoms of hunger individual Chef Boyardee, fruit cups, Jello cups, pudding cups,
or malnutrition in older adults, which include the following: cheese crackers, cereal bars, granola bars, juice boxes, soup,
small cans of tuna or chicken, individual packages of peanuts,
• Watch for physical problems such as poor wound healing, easy small packages of chips, peanut butter to go, individual mac &
bruising and dental difficulties. cheese, microwave popcorn, Ensue, Boost, or Glucerna.
• Keep track of weight loss either with a home scale or by
transporting the older adult to the doctor’s office for weight Please contact Comfort Keepers (806) 687-7800 to help Feed Seniors Now.
checks when the individual is unable to stand without assistance.
• Pay close attention to seniors’ eating habits and ask them to tell
you where and when they eat, but don’t rely on self-reports alone.
Since our caregivers (the people we call Comfort Keepers®) often
spend mealtimes with seniors at home, they may have a better
idea of normal eating habits.
• Suggest family members visit during mealtimes, which can
improve a senior’s consumption. If a senior lives alone, make sure
you know who is buying his or her food.
• Know what medications an older loved one takes and whether
they can affect appetite and digestion. Use the resources
available (including your pharmacist) to check for drug nutrient
interactions or possible side effects of prescribed medications.
• If there are medical questions regarding nutrition, medication,
and health, Comfort Keepers suggests that seniors, their family
members, and other caregivers speak with doctors about tests Senior safety and
to help identify chronic malnutrition or other nutrition-related
problems. wellbeing is what we do

Nourishing seniors is an important part of maintaining senior In-Home Senior Care Services
independence. Comfort Keepers champions senior nutrition in
the community through the Feed Seniors Now food drive. • Personal care • Dementia and
• Companionship Alzheimer's care
Comfort Keepers of Lubbock is partnering with Lubbock Meals and housekeeping • Safety solutions
on Wheels (LMOW) to feed seniors on the LMOW weekend • Respite care
meal bag program. Many seniors have no means to obtain
weekend food other than that provided through Lubbock Meals
on Wheels. Throughout the month of September, Comfort (806) 687-7800
Keepers of Lubbock encourages businesses, organizations and 2517 74th Street, Lubbock, TX 79423
churches to hold food and funds drives to collect specific food Uplifting In-Home Care | ComfortKeepers.com
items for the LMOW weekend meal bag program. © 2020 CK Franchising, Inc. Most offices independently owned and operated. 0720

84 Senior Link