Lt. Governor Glenn McConnell, along with the state’s future leaders, and the Honda Motor Corp, are targeting South Carolina’s problem with senior malnutrition.
A statehouse event was scheduled for Thursday, May 16th. The event kicks off a new effort called S.O.S., or Sustain Our Seniors. The Leadership of South Carolina Class of 2013 raised more than $100,000 in donations and in-kind contributions to help fight senior malnutrition and hunger.
During the event, Honda also donated two Odyssey minivans to be used by seniors in the state.
Representatives from senior centers and food banks will also be at the event.
According to Meals on Wheels, South Carolina has the second highest level of senior malnutrition and hunger in the country.
Senior Malnutrition Facts
According to Meals on Wheels, 1 in 7 seniors is threatened by hunger or malnutrition. This reflects a 78% increase since 2007. South Carolina is in the top 10 states with the worst senior malnutrition and hunger rates in the country.
The Mayo Clinic’s website discusses the problems with senior malnutrition. Malnutrition in older adults can cause several serious and debilitating problems, including:
· A weak immune system, which increases the risk of infections
· Poor wound healing
· Muscle weakness, which can lead to falls and fractures
There are several factors related to senior malnutrition, and they are not all straightforward. Seniors often have serious health complications or several medications that reduce their feelings of hunger, or limit their diet. Reduced social contact and depression create situations where seniors might not feel like eating, because cooking and meal time are no longer enjoyable activities. Alcohol can interfere with digestion and absorption of nutrients, and seniors who are or have been alcoholics could substitute alcohol for meals, further limiting their nutritional intake. Many seniors are on limited incomes through retirement or social security, and that means they might not be able to afford groceries. Sometimes, financial limitations force the elderly to choose between health care and food.
If your loved one appears to have suddenly lost weight, is having trouble fighting off infections, or has long-lasting bruises or wounds, these could be signs that your elderly loved one is suffering from malnutrition. You can encourage them to eat more, get more exercise, and attend more social events. You might also consider programs like Meals on Wheels to help keep your loved one eating healthy, balanced meals.
If your loved one has a hired caregiver, or lives in a long-term care facility, and has suffered any signs of malnutrition, there might be an underlying problem. Elder abuse is unfortunately common in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and independent living facilities across the country.
The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Suspected Senior Malnutrition, Elder Abuse, and Nursing Home Abuse
The attorneys at the Strom Law Firm are very serious about prosecuting those who abuse the elderly. If you have noticed a loved one, a friend of the family, or a neighbor suffering from senior malnutrition, there may be an underlying cause such as elder abuse. The Strom Law Firm offers free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your case, so contact us today for help. 803.252.4800.
