Articles and Information from GA Foods

It has been 50 years since the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics started the annual celebration of National Nutrition Month^®. The purpose is to remind Americans to learn more about making informed food choices and developing healthy eating habits.

Topics: Home Delivered Meals, Healthy Home Delivered Meals, National Nutrition Month, Senior Nutrition

Open enrollment for 2023 Medicare is here! From now until December 7, Americans 65 and older can review and change their Medicare coverage options for 2023. Many health plans offer new and expanded benefits for 2023.  Recent data indicates that 45% of enrollees selected Medicare Advantage plans – or Part D for 2022. By 2025, Medicare Advantage enrollment will reach over 50%.

Topics: Home Delivered Meals, Medicare, Senior Nutrition, Social Determinants of Health, Older Adults, Medicare Advantage

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) dedicated the week of September 18 – 24 as National Fall Prevention Week. This week is to raise awareness of fall prevention for older adults. Falls are the most common reason for nursing home placement. Although one in three adults over 65 years of age will experience a fall, there are various techniques and actions to prevent or reduce the fall risk. 

Topics: Home Delivered Meals, Malnutrition, Older Adults, Fall Prevention

Many of your members are being cared for in their homes by family or other in-home caregivers.  Studies show that being a caregiver to someone with swallowing difficulties or dysphagia can be stressful. As a case manager, you are often the one they turn to for advice and support. The good news is there are ways to help!

Topics: Dysphagia, Pureed, Caregivers, Case Manager, swallowing difficulties

 

Topics: Fresh vs. Frozen Home Delivered Meals, Healthy Home Delivered Meals, Healthy Meals for Seniors, Care Managers

 

Topics: Home Delivered Meals, How to, Plating meals, home-delivered meals for seniors

Food insecurity is an issue plaguing America and has only increased since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Nutrition Journal, nearly 15 percent of U.S. households—and almost 18 percent of households with children reported food insecurity early in the COVID-19 pandemic. Before the pandemic, approximately 11% of households reported food insecurity. These are the same people who were most likely already experiencing some degree of food insecurity and are now facing even more significant hardship since COVID-19.

Topics: Food Insecurity, Food Assistance Programs, Food Security Impact

National Nutrition Month^® is celebrated each March. It is a great time to reflect on healthy food choices and regular physical activity habits for your members. The message of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for the year is to Celebrate a World of Flavors. 

Topics: National Nutrition Month, Medicare Advantage, healthy eating, Chronic conditions

Valentine’s Day isn’t the only special part of February. It’s also American Heart Month.

Topics: Home Delivered Meals, Heart Disease, Shopping for seniors

The past two years of the COVID-19 pandemic have led to a surge of social isolation and loneliness, especially among older adults.

Before the pandemic, one in three adults over 50 lacked regular companionship. Since the pandemic, social isolation, depression, and anxiety have worsened, with a study finding 73% of older adults reporting feelings of loneliness.

Social connections are essential to maintain good mental and physical health and well-being. Reduced face-to-face interactions significantly impact those missing family members and friends.

Topics: Home Delivered Meals, Senior Nutrition, Older Adults, Medicare Advantage