Meals on Wheels Mid North Coast operations manager Penny Poulton says nutrition is key for people to maintain their health and independence in their homes.
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“There have been studies which show malnutrition is a massive factor for health risks,” she said.
Ms Poulton said people have a higher quality of life if they can maintain their independence.
On February 15 the Minister for Health and Aged Care Ken Wyatt launched the National Meal Guidelines for service providers.
It’s important that the organisations providing meals, or producing meals, have a handy tool for the benefit of people who are not in a position to prepare nutritious meals for themselves,” he said in an address in Canberra.
“It is expected that the guidelines will also be very useful for home-delivered and centre-based meals programs across the sector.”
Ms Poulton said the new guidelines were developed by the Australian Meals on Wheels Association in partnership with the Smart Food Centre, University of Wollongong.
She said the guidelines are very specific to ensure all aspects of meals are tailored for the older demographic.
Ms Poulton said Meals on Wheels Mid North Coast have previously conducted their own research to ensure meals are nutritional for the older age group.
“That’s where we differ a lot from what can be bought commercially,” she said.
“We’ve actually done the research and we’ve found out what’s needed.”
Ms Poulton said the guidelines will be beneficial for adding to what knowledge the organisation already has.
“To improve our product and ensure it is 100 per cent,” she said.
As people get older they tend to sometimes lose the ability to cook for themselves or lose motivation.
“If you’re living by yourself then you are less likely to want to cook a proper meal,” Ms Poulton said.
“We see it a lot where people just have tea and toast.”
Ms Poulton said the service is tailored to suit every circumstance.
“It’s aimed at being flexible enough to cater for everyone’s individual needs,” she said.
“If their needs change we can change too.”
Ms Poulton said some of their clients enjoy spending time with volunteers as it is their main source of contact with people.
Some of the Meals on Wheels clients have dementia and may require encouragement from volunteers to eat.
Other clients remain independent and will call in to collect their own meals.
The service is always open to new volunteers.
For more information call Meals on Wheels Mid North Coast on (02) 6583 5933