Herald - Issue 422

Page 48 • The HERALD • 21st April 2022 v SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES v WE CARE, YOU CARE Apetito supports Vulnerable and Elderly Residents with More than Just a Meal As the issues faced by the most vulnerable groups in society were brought under the spotlight in March thanks to Nutrition and Hydration Week apetito highlights how their meals on wheels service helps the people that need it most, in more ways than one. During Nutrition and Hydration Week apetito was raising awareness about how to avoid malnutrition and dehydration, conditions that worryingly, around three million people in the UK are at risk from. Malnutrition can lead to poorer immunity, greater risk of infection, poormobility, reducedquality of life and mental health problems. Dehydration can become serious very quickly especially among the elderly with possible e ects including dizziness, heat stress, pressure ulcers and increased risks of falls. Apetito drivers not only encourage customers to eat a healthy meal but also prompt them to have a glass of water on their visit. e meals on wheels service delivering delicious, hot apetito meals provides an excellent solution to help combat the dangers associated with dehydration and malnutrition. Every meal is carefully created by apetito’s in-house chefs and dietitians to ensure they are nutritionally balanced to support a healthy diet. e delivery service is more than just a meal to the majority of the company’s customers. “I am 89 and have no children, seeing the drivers and receiving my meals is the highlight of my day, I honestly don’t know what I would do without them.” apetito meals on wheels customer. One key part of the delivery driver’s role is to carry out a safety and wellbeing checks on their customers, which gives families peace of mind that someone will check on their loved ones. e meals on wheels service is completely exible, and there’s a huge variety of meals to choose from. ere’s a menu to suit everyone’s taste, as well as appetite o ering two or three course meal options for just £5.67 and £6.67 respectively. ere’s no catch, delivery is free, so customers do not have to sign up to a contract or subscription, they can simply choose to use the service whenever they like and can pay weekly or monthly by direct debit. To nd out more call: 01962 779338 or email: hampshire.office@apetito. co.uk SLIPPER SWAP Age Concern New Forest is delighted to be able to continue its ‘Winter Slipper Swap’ project again this year for our local older people. Personal foot care is particularly important for older people as good foot health can reduce pain or discomfort, improve con dence, quality of life and independence. Healthy feet can also help people to remain physically active, allowing them to get out and about in their local community and increase their energy levels and general zest for life. Importantly, neglecting personal foot care needs can contribute to falls, which might otherwise be avoided. anks to a grant from the Skipton Building Society Charitable Foundation, and a generous discount from KJ’S Roomy Footwear in Hythe, Age Concern New Forest will be able to o er new slippers to the clients of their regular local foot clinics this winter. Age Concern New Forest currently holds foot care clinics for older people in Totton, Hythe and Black eld. To book an appointment or for further information please telephone: 023 8084 1199. Coping with the digital age Do you need help in understanding how to use your smartphone, tablet or laptop? Drop in sessions run by Digital Champions are available every Monday 11am–12noon and Wednesday 10am–11am in Hythe Library. Sessions are also held in libraries in Lymington, Tuesdays 2pm–3pm; Fordingbridge, Wednesdays 9.30am–10.30am and Ringwood Wednesdays 10am–12noon and New Milton ursdays 10am–12noon. e sessions are run by experienced IT specialists who can provide assistance ranging from basic use and understanding of the library computers or your own smartphone to resolving slow systems and security advice. is is a free service provided by volunteers of Citizens Advice New Forest.