Illinois Aging Network Alert – February 27, 2019

Illinois Aging Network Alert – February 27, 2019

A report of the impact Area Agencies on Aging have on Illinois Seniors, from I4A - Illinois Association of Area Agencies on Aging.
Contact:  Susan C. Real 309-829-2065 (Leg. Chair) or Joy Paeth 618-222-2561 (I4A President)

Illinois Area Agencies on Aging serve 559,000 older adults, family caregivers and grandparents raising grandchildren by supporting a network of over 230 community programs on aging.  This Alert will focus on Senior Nutrition Services in Illinois.

ILLINOIS SENIOR MEALS
(Source: Survey from AAAs Program Data for FY 2018)

• 40,781 older adults received over 7 million home delivered meals.
• 74,943 older adults were served over 2.1 million meals at congregate meal settings (such as senior centers).

THE IMPACT OF SENIOR MEALS ON OLDER ADULTS In East Central Illinois
(Source:  ECIAAA Participant Survey Results FY 2018)

• 55% of congregate meal participants indicate the meal served at the site is their main source of food;
• Nearly 10% indicate they had to skip meals because they had no food or money.
• 87% of congregate meal participants and nearly 92% of home-delivered meal recipients report they eat healthier;
• Slightly more than 80% of congregate meal participants indicate they feel better and 76% report improved health;
• 66% of home-delivered meal recipients think their health has improved and indicate they feel better;
• 67% of participants indicate they make more healthful and nutritious food choices because of participating in a congregate meals program.

THE COST OF A MEAL VS. THE COST OF MEDICAL CARE

Cost of Home Delivered Meals for One Senior for Entire Year (365 Days)	Cost of 1 Day of Hospital Care	Cost of 10 Days in Nursing Home
$1,810	$2,431	$1,950
Source:  Meals on Wheels America. 2018.  “Delivering So Much More Than a Meal in Illinois.”