Visit Brighton Pittsford Post online for the full Emeritus at Perinton Park Manor news article.
Through the end of April, Emeritus, a national assisted living chain, has pledged to deliver 10,000 meals to seniors in 60 days part of National Nutrition Month. Perinton Park Manor is participating by providing free, healthy meals to individuals in the local community.
Tom Tobin is the dining services director at the facility who makes and delivers meals each week through the program. He says visiting seniors in their homes goes beyond making sure they have food to eat.
“That person might not have seen another person all week,” said Tobin. “That social interaction is a huge part of it.”
Loneliness and isolation among older adults are factors that contribute to unhealthy habits like not eating. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more seniors suffer from depression when they require hospitalization or in-home care.
Sometimes the belief that aging comes with letting go of one’s independence can also increase this risk, Jones explained.
“I think depression is accepted as part of the aging process, but it doesn’t have to be,” she said.
Even seniors who maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle can benefit from additional visits.
Janet Zimmerman, of Perinton, lives near her elderly mother, “Pepper,” who is one of the many seniors receiving meals this month through Emeritus. [ Read more ]
