Adequate nutrition is important for good health and is especially critical for older adults who may have one or more chronic medical conditions. Healthy eating can increase mental acuity, strengthen the immune system, and speed recovery times from illness. Unfortunately, millions of older Americans suffer from malnourishment and its myriad health consequences. Poor or restricted diets, lack of mobility or access to grocery stores, depression, dementia, low income, and medications that affect appetite or the ability to absorb nutrients are just some of the factors that contribute to malnourishment.
Food insecurity is estimated to impact older adults at a growing rate. Seniors more likely to experience food insecurity include those who live in a southern state, have a disability, live with a grandchild, are younger than 69, or are African American or Hispanic.[1] Moreover, people over 60 are the least likely of all demographic groups to participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It is estimated that just 41% of eligible seniors are enrolled in the program.[2] Barriers for older adults include lack of information about the program, stigma, and mobility challenges.
There are over 2,500 benefits programs available nationwide. The National Council on Aging’s Benefits Checkup is an online tool that offers a fast and easy way to learn about benefits available in one’s state, ranging from food and nutrition to tax relief and medication assistance programs. Geriatric care managers and other knowledgeable professionals can assist seniors with this confidential tool and identify the most suitable programs available.
Besides SNAP, other federal programs in some states include the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), which provides nutritious USDA foods to low-income adults who are at least 60 years of age. In Mississippi, the contacts for CSFP include state agencies such as the Department of Education and the Department of Health. The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is available in 42 states and provides low-income seniors with coupons that can be exchanged for eligible foods at farmers’ markets.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a Federal program administered through the states that helps supplement the diets of low-income Americans, including elderly people. TEFAP provides people with emergency food and nutrition assistance at no cost to them.
Other programs such as Meals on Wheels, community pantries, and food banks can be a resource for seniors. Some churches and community groups host free or low-cost meals. The challenge to reduce malnourishment, however, lies not only in locating the right resources for older adults, but also identifying and resolving issues such as lack of transportation, functional limitations, and health conditions that contribute to the problem.
[1] https://www.ncoa.org/news/resources-for-reporters/get-the-facts/senior-hunger-facts/
[2] https://www.ncoa.org/economic-security/benefits/food-and-nutrition/senior-hunger-snap/seniors-snap-best-practices-handbook/
As an objective third party, care managers can help families review nutrition needs. If we can help, please contact Brittany Fortmayer, by phone at 228-467-5900, or via e-mail at info@www.givingtreeseniorcareoptions.com.
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