Enjoying a hot meal each day is important, but sometimes it can be a struggle due to age, mobility problems, medical conditions, or when living alone.
The older we get, the more important it becomes to eat meals that benefit our health and wellbeing. Hot meal delivery services can be a perfect solution to bring comfort back to meal times, and because they arrive ready to eat, all it takes is to unwrap and enjoy.
In this Blog, Teams and Bensham Community Care share 5 benefits based on their 30 years of experience in providing hot meal deliveries in Gateshead.
Access to healthy, balanced meals - tasty, nutritional and freshly cooked so that you feel your best with food that also nourishes the soul
Reduces household tasks - eases the burden of preparing and cooking food, bending and handling hot dishes
Easing loneliness - a friendly face to deliver your meal and have a chat to
Reduced anxiety - peace of mind that a hot meal is on the way, ready to eat
Independent living - having the right support to live at home in safety and comfort
Access to Healthy, Balanced Meals
Age UK estimates that around one in ten people over the age of 65 are malnourished or are at risk of malnutrition - that's over one million older people in the UK today. When coupled with illness, whether a long term condition or short term, malnutrition can quickly make things worse.
Meal delivery services offer an easy solution to ensure that people are getting the nutrients they need to feel their best.
People might have already begun to avoid difficult preparation or cooking tasks in the kitchen, and instead rely upon ready meals, snacks and packet foods, that may not provide the nutritional balance needed to sustain a healthy diet.
Meals delivered to you door are prepared fresh each day, by professionals, and are more tasty and comforting that mass produced packaged meals from the grocery store that can be high in salt, additives and preservatives.
Reduces Household Tasks
Hot meals delivery services remove the need to struggle with kitchen tasks. For older people, this might mean:-
No longer needing to balance when standing for prolonged prep time or bend to move hot dishes in and out of the oven
Reducing the worry of remembering cooking times to ensure that food does not overcook or undercook
Someone else can take care of the chopping and peeling if fine motor skills make these tasks difficult.
Easing Loneliness
Many people who access hot meal delivery services live alone. Our research has found that our customers who live alone had lacked motivation to cook just for themselves, or had lost a partner who had taken care of the cooking tasks on behalf of the couple and when trying to replicate those meals, they felt that ‘it just isn’t the same’.
Hot meal delivery services can never replace the company and delicious food we have enjoyed for years or that were cooked with love from our partners, but it can add some comfort back into our lives. Many hot meal delivery services offer traditional, freshly cooked meals and desserts that we all know and love. From hearty stews, to home-made puddings, it really is a taste of home.
A delivery service adds a visitor to the day, which offers a little bit of conversation, and a well-being check too. Seeing a friendly face, in person, can make a big difference.
Reduced Anxiety for Carers/Loved Ones
When we live away from our relatives, or work during the day, it is reassuring to know that a regular visitor is checking in with those we love, and that they have a hot meal delivered that is ready to eat. It is a comfort to know that our loved ones are not having to struggle in the kitchen to make themselves something, or worse, to go without if they don’t feel up to making anything that day.
It also removes the pressure of prepping, cooking and storing meals safely for our loved ones regularly, and frees up quality time to spend with our older relatives instead. That quality time together gives a big boost to wellbeing for all involved.
Supports Independent Living
When we leave hospital, or respite care, having the support systems in place to go home is very important. Hot meal delivery services can mean all the difference in living independently at home when recovering from illness or injury or when we have a long-term condition.
Our customers tell us that having support like this helps them to feel confident and that they can cope better at home.
The provider of the hot meals also adds to a support network around the individual or couple too, and can add to the feelings of safety and comfort knowing that there are services they can contact if they need assistance or advice. Our charity for example, can signpost people for all kinds of help, and we have a really good knowledge of services and agencies that are available in the local area. When we can’t provide the support ourselves, we ensure that we quickly find a service who can.
In Summary
The benefits of hot meals delivered to your door are far reaching, and make a big difference to health and wellbeing, feeling connected and supported, and staying safe at home knowing a delicious, comforting hot meal is on the way by someone you trust.
Frequently Asked Questions About Meal Delivery Services
Where can I find a list of meal delivery providers in Gateshead?
Your local authority might have a list of providers of food and meal deliveries in your area. Gateshead has a great list, and a quick and easy search facility for example, to help residents find the support they need with hot meals and grocery shopping.
I'm worried about Coronavirus. Is it safe to have hot meals delivered?
Food delivery services are safe, and in many cases vital, during the coronavirus crisis. Professional food providers have to have Covid-Secure measures in place to keep their staff and customers safe. Deliveries should be made safe through appropriate PPE and social distancing.
What food can I expect from a hot meals delivery service?
Each provider will offer different types of food, but usually a hot meal and pudding is provided. Teams and Bensham Community Care sticks with the classics that most people enjoy and they work with older people in the community to create the perfect menu.
How do I know the provider has a clean, hygienic catering facility?
If you know the name, street name or postcode of the provider, you can do a quick and easy check to find out the food hygiene rating they currently have. This can help you to select the best provider, and reassure you that they have the practices in place to keep you safe.
If you or someone you know would like more information about the Teams and Bensham Community Care day centres or hot meals delivery service we're always happy to answer any questions or to help in any other way that we can. Call the team on 0191 4900945, or book a priority call back.
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