Georgia Residents Moving to Nursing Homes Much Later

August 18, 2009

According to a recent report, which was presented by Georgia’s Department of Human Services Division of Aging Services, residents of the state have decreased since a nutritional wellness program was introduced. In the state fiscal year 2008, older adults avoided nursing home placement an average of three years longer than those adults who were not involved in the program.

The program provided thousands of elderly residents across the state with healthy meals. It explored the undeniable link between poor nutrition and chronic health programs. Included in the meals was fresh, healthy produce. The program also addressed the issue of “food insecurity.”

Many elderly Georgians do not have access to healthy, fresh foods, because they live on their social security checks and do not have a great deal of money. In addition, they do not have the same mobility and freedom to go to supermarkets and purchase fresh produce. The program provided prepared meals, education, and a specialized farmer’s market program that made locally grown produce available to senior citizens.