‘Pill field’ for meals designed to assist unpaid carers ensure family members are fed

Meal delivery company, Wisely Well, has launched an oversized ‘pill box’ meal organiser illustrating the pressures faced by caregivers tending to loved ones.

Recent research involving 500 unpaid carers indicates that over half (53%) worry that their elderly relatives will forget to consume their meals when alone.

The boxes measure a massive 35 x 82 centimetres and are intended to support caregivers in ensuring that family members get regular sustenance. With a design similar to your average pill box, it boasts compartments for each day of the week that can be filled with meals, plus an extra compartment for snacks and biccies.

Wisely Well’s Ian Morrison said: “While we think this is a fun and perhaps silly idea, it’s actually highlighting a very serious matter. Being a carer can be incredibly difficult and have a major impact on how you live your life”.

He went on to note, “The study has shown that many elderly people requiring care are missing meals on a frequent basis which can never be a good thing for anyone’s wellbeing.”

In addition to these findings, the research uncovered that 72% of caregivers represent elderly relatives who have missed a meal, with 21% of those forgetting regularly and 31% occasionally skipping one; an average of three meals are bypassed each week, lunch being the predominantly missed meal.

Almost three quarters of individuals who have noticed a family member skipping meals wish they could assist them in remembering to eat. Additionally, half are concerned about whether their loved ones are getting enough nutrition from the meals they do consume.

Out of the 500 surveyed, 22% identified diet as their main worry for their elderly relatives, along with other concerns such as mobility, loneliness and memory issues.

In an effort to alleviate these difficulties, many caregivers seek support and advice online, from health professionals, local organisations and charities. However, 60% admitted they found it difficult to discuss health matters with their relatives and 43% thought their advice would likely be disregarded.

Unsurprisingly, caring for a loved one impacts personal time, with the average unpaid carer dedicating over 11 hours of their own free time each week, and a staggering half of them also balancing full-time jobs.

This inevitably leads to increased stress and fatigue, with 30% admitting that their physical or mental health has suffered as a result.

Reflecting on his company’s meal delivery service for those in need, Morrison said: “The life of a carer can be stressful and hard work, which we know a lot of people can end up feeling guilty about. “.

“It can often be the case that looking after someone very quickly forms a part of your life when you least expect it, and you have to factor it in to how you live your own life.”

“However, we hope to provide one less thing to worry about by being able to deliver easy to prepare meals to those who need them.”