Toronto, Ontario (November 17, 2010) – A startling number of Canadian seniors risk going hungry due to the inability to obtain sufficient food for their household or having to choose between food and medical care. In response to a growing need for awareness about senior hunger, Comfort Keepers Canada has launched a nationwide campaign called STOP Senior Hunger 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.
Hunger can lead to malnutrition and other serious health problems in seniors. Malnutrition is the result of the body not absorbing enough nutrients due to inaccessibility. 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 and premature death.
Comfort Keepers Canada will be involved with several initiatives over the course of the coming year to deal with this silent epidemic. Food drives, fund raisers and education through lunch and learns and other educational programs shall be executed at a local level, in conjunction with community partners who are familiar with this growing issue and want to make a difference.
To learn more about Stop Senior Hunger and what you can do to help. You can learn about the local initiatives by contacting your local Comfort Keepers office.
About Comfort Keepers®
Comfort Keepers® is a leading franchise network in the in-home care market for senior and other adults needing care. Since its founding in 1998, the company has grown to more than 650 franchised locations around the world by staying true to the founders' goal of providing in-home care services that allow clients the opportunity to age in their home. In August of 2009, the brand was strengthened even further by the purchase of the franchisor, CK Franchising, Inc., by Sodexo, one of the world's leading food and facilities management services companies and the global leader in the health care and seniors markets. In Canada, there are over 35 franchisees.
