Home delivered meals for seniors provide three important benefits
First: A Nutritious Meal
Nutrition has a profound affect on the aging process. In fact, research shows that there is a close relationship between good nutrition, health and ability to function among older adults. Older adults who are unable to attend senior center meal programs due to health problems can benefit from home delivered meals as a way to maintain their nutritional health. The noontime meal provided by Meals on Wheels contributes 40% to 50% of the daily nutrients needed by older adults. In fact, the meals frequently provide more than half of the senior’s total daily food intake.
As important, seniors can learn about proper nutrition by reading the back of their monthly menus. For some older adults, however, general nutrition education may not be enough. In these instances a dietitian is available to provide individualized nutrition counseling to translate those nutritional needs into better-personalized food choices. These healthy food choices can have a measurable effect on their health status.
Since pets provide love and protection for many seniors, Meals on Wheels provides pet food, too.
Second: Daily Social Contact
Home delivered meals also present an opportunity for a daily check on program participants. In their daily contact, Meal delivery drivers make sure homebound seniors are safe and secure. This includes seniors that may have fallen, been injured or suffered some form of neglect or abuse. The drivers also provide a regular connection for older adults who might be isolated or otherwise alone. Program volunteers help enhance the emotional and mental health of their meal clients by decreasing their feelings of loneliness.
Third: Safety Net
Working together, assessment staff and home delivery meal drivers provide an effective safety net for program participants. Because Meal delivery drivers are alert to serious or escalating problems in the home, if a driver identifies issues or concerns, they immediately notify assessment staff for follow-up.
Each quarter, staff review and update emergency contact information for each senior. They also evaluate such issues as awareness of fall prevention measures, availability of food in the home, housekeeping and other needs, assistance from family or friends and need for referrals to other services, including free and reduced fee services.
Following the initial evaluation to determine eligibility, staff conduct regular assessments to ascertain the continued need for home delivered meals. When participants are no longer homebound, they can be referred to congregate meal programs.