Help Feed Seniors Now™ in Elk Grove Village throughout September
Help Feed Seniors Now™ During Hunger Action Month
ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL (SEPTEMBER, 2016) - At least one in nine seniors is at-risk of going hungry due to the inability to obtain sufficient food for their household or having to choose between food and medical care according to Feeding America. During September, National Hunger Action Month, Comfort Keepers® in Elk Grove Village is asking the community to make food donations to the Feed Seniors NowTM food drive to help local seniors and raise awareness for this growing epidemic that impacts millions of older Americans trying to remain healthy and independent.
"National Hunger Action Month is in September, but seniors go hungry all year," said Katie Fielmann, Owner, of the Elk Grove Village franchise. "We cannot fight every factor affecting hunger, but we can start here in our community by creating awareness about the issue and helping family members become more aware of the signs of hunger and malnutrition."
Hunger can lead to malnutrition and other serious health problems in seniors. The lack of an adequate diet can have an immediate impact on the body, mind, and the safety of senior citizens. If seniors fail to consume the appropriate amount of nutrients, their bodies may become weak or unstable and their minds may become fatigued. The combination of these two effects will significantly increase the risk of a fall and other accidents. In addition, malnutrition can affect the body's immune system and leave seniors more vulnerable to diseases or illnesses. As many as 85% of seniors in the care of others are at risk for malnutrition and its consequences. Signs of malnutrition may include sudden weight gain or loss, bruising, or dental difficulties, sudden changes in taste, or a general disinterest in eating. For seniors, malnutrition means the potential for increased hospital stays, increased health complications, early entry into assisted living facilities or even premature death.
In response to a growing need for awareness about senior nutrition, the Comfort Keepers system has launched a nationwide campaign called Nourish Senior Life® to create awareness for the importance of a healthy diet for those 65 and over. This senior nutrition campaign aims to help seniors preserve their independence by providing diet and nutrition information, encouragement and necessities.
In the local market, Comfort Keepers of Wood Dale has placed food collection bins at the following locations in Elk Grove Village:
Alexian Brothers/Amita Hospital
What: Food donation bins to collect non-perishable items
When: Throughout the month of September food donation bins are located below
Where: Roncoli Center- 600 Alexian Way
Eberle Building Lobby- 800 Biesterfield Road
Alexian Hospice Residence- 901 Martha Street
Alexian Rehabilitation Hospital- 935 Beisner Road
Why: To get food to local seniors in need
For more information on the local Feed Seniors Now™ food drive and Comfort Keepers Nourish Senior Life® initiative, please contact your local Comfort Keepers office at (630) 834-8366.
About Comfort Keepers®
Comfort Keepers® is a leading franchise network in the in-home care market for seniors and other adults needing care. Since its founding in 1998, the network has grown to more than 700 franchised locations around the world by staying true to the founders' goal of providing quality, caring in-home care services that allow clients the opportunity to age in place. In August of 2009, the brand was strengthened when the franchisor, CK Franchising, Inc. was purchased by Sodexo, a global leader that delivers Quality of Life services to over 75 million consumers in 80 countries each day. In addition to providing services that focus on health care and senior markets, Sodexo's integrated offerings encompass more than 45 years of experience in reception, safety, maintenance and cleaning, foodservices, facilities and equipment management, and concierge services. For more information, visit http://wooddale-219.comfortkeepers.com/