Are you, or anyone you know, a carer for an older person?

Posted on January 07 2013

Carers can benefit from a free adult education class run by Derbyshire County Council to help them tackle malnutrition in older people.

There are nine one-off, three-hour classes across the county. They can also be attended by anyone who thinks they could help an older friend, neighbour or relative who has lost weight but struggles with a small appetite.

The free session has been developed specially for the Eat Well campaign the county council’s adult community education tutors. People who sign up can look forward to food demonstrations, menu plans and cooking tips. It will help people spot the symptoms of malnutrition, learn why it’s a problem and hear about strategies to tackle it.

Councillor Carol Hart, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for public health said: “Malnutrition and dehydration cause serious health problems – including infections like colds and flu, depression and falls. It’s also a common cause of admission to hospitals and care homes and costs the taxpayer billions of pounds a year.”

Research carried out in Derbyshire in May shows that the older someone is, the more likely they are to suffer from malnutrition. The older population of Derbyshire is expected to rise by 46 per cent over the next 20 years.

There are about three million older people in the UK who are malnourished.

A booklet is also available that helps us all take practical steps if we, or people we know, are elderly and losing weight. The booklet, which has the support of Age UK Derby and Derbyshire and the NHS, is available from local libraries or can be downloaded from www.derbyshire.gov.uk/eatwell .

The sessions take place between January and March and should be booked in advance.

Eat Well free sessions:

Fairfield Adult Community Education Centre, Victoria Park Road, Buxton
Wednesday, January 16, 6pm – 9pm
Contact 01298 214175

Belper Adult Community Education Centre, Holbrook Road
Tuesday, January 22, 6pm-9pm
Contact 01773 829478

The Hub, Shiners Way, Market Street, South Normanton
Wednesday, January 23, 6pm – 9pm
Contact 01773 814304

Hurst Farm Community Centre, Hurst Rise, Matlock
Wednesday, February 6, 6pm – 9pm
Contact Hurst Farm 01629 584336

Birdholme Children’s Centre, Church Street South
Tuesday, February 12, 6pm – 9pm
Contact 01246 862383

Long Eaton Adult Community Education Centre, Community House, Derby Road
Wednesday, February 13, 6pm-9pm
Contact 0115 973 2827

Gamesley Community Centre, Melandra Castle Road, Gamesley, Glossop
Wednesday, February 13, 6pm – 9pm
Contact 01457 852245

Swadlincote Adult Community Education Centre, Rink Drive
Tuesday, March 5, 6pm-9pm
Contact 01283 228400

Clay Cross Adult Community Education Centre, Market Street
Tuesday, March 26, 6pm – 9pm
Contact 01246 862383

For more information please call Lynwen Davison on 01629 538215.