Comments to three questions posed at the Older Peoples Food Summit from a member of the Help the Aged working group on nutrition

Question 1

Hospitals need volunteers to help feed older people to make sure they are eating. If they ask for a small meal, make sure it is small because a big meal puts you right off eating.

Care homes should make sure that the food is nutritious and substantial for their needs.

If someone suffers a bereavement they should have a visits from a nurse or social worker or a befriending services afterwards to make sure they are eating. Its is very hard to cook for one and very easy not to bother.

Question 2

Luncheon clubs are very good if you can persuade people to attend. We have one and members enjoy a meal and the social aspect of it. It is hard to get the funding for these especially if you have to provide transport.

Question 3

Keep trying to get across the message of how important it is to eat well. Friends should get together and maybe cook one meal each a week and eat together. It is hard especially with the price of living so high.