Providing adequate nutrition and social
contacts are critical components to the health of elderly citizens, and are vital to
helping them remain active and independent. In Idaho, and nationwide, most ENP
services are provided by licensed senior citizen centers and home-delivered meal
contractors. The services are targeted toward older people with the greatest economic
or greatest social need.
Home-Delivered Meals
Home-bound seniors are able to remain in their
homes in part because of the delivery of hot,
cold or frozen meals, often by a volunteer. Volunteers delivering
meals decrease social isolation for these vulnerable seniors.
Area Agency on Aging Case Managers develop individualized plans for
this and other In-Home services and assistance for participants.
Congregate Meals
Meals served in congregate, or group, settings provide vital social contacts
for senior citizens as well as access to information on programs and services
that benefit the elderly.
Nationwide, Elderly Nutrition Programs provide 40 to 50 percent of participants'
daily nutritional intake, and these meals are more nutrient-dense than those
of non-participants. Health and nutrition counseling and education services
help seniors make wiser, healthier, choices.
Nutrition Education and Counseling
This program provides individual counseling and group presentations about aging-related diet and health issues.
For more information on these nutritional programs, call the
Area Agency on Aging in your region, or ICOA at (208) 334-3833.
