What is Meals on Wheels? And Is My Loved One a Candidate?
There are many different volunteer-based programs out there that are designed with seniors in mind and were created to help our aging population stay safe and healthy as they grow older. One of the many programs that has helped seniors across the country is Meals on Wheels. This national program has locations across the country, in virtually every major city (and many smaller communities) around the United States?and if you have a senior loved one who you think may benefit from this program, it is important to know about what Meals on Wheels is and who it is for.
What is Meals on Wheels?
Meals on Wheels is a volunteer-based program that is designed to deliver meals to individuals who are home-bound or unable to purchase or prepare their own meals. This is a great way for seniors who cannot grocery shop or cook on their own to still get healthy, hearty and nutritious meals, without having to leave the comfort of their own homes. This can help seniors stay safe and healthy.
Who Can Benefit From Meals on Wheels?
There are many people who benefit from Meals on Wheels, however seniors and the primary recipient of these Meals on Wheels programs. In addition to making sure that seniors are able to get healthy and nutritious meals, there are other great benefits to the Meals on Wheels program. Research find that it helps improve the quality of life for seniors and can include increased socialization. This is because in addition to bringing seniors food, volunteers also provide companionship to seniors who don?t get as much social interaction as they need.
Many of the Meals on Wheels chapters also provide home health and safety checks when they deliver food. This is a great way to make sure that seniors have someone looking out for them and make sure someone is looking for signs that these seniors may be in trouble.
There are many people who have senior loved ones living in other areas of country and who are worried about these loved ones living on their own. If you find yourself in this situation, Meals on Wheels can provide some peace of mind.
If you are worried about your senior loved one who is living alone and mostly home-bound, you may want to consider contacting the local Meals on Wheels in your loved one?s community. Fortunately, there are many different chapters across the country. Based on the need of the individual, seniors may get meals delivered once a week, or even have up to two hot meals delivered per weekday. With this in mind, make sure you reach out to the local program in your area to coordinate this service for your loved one.
Author Profile
- Lori Thomas has decades of experience as a caregiver. Her writing for SeniorAdvice.com is informed by years of research as well as hands-on family experience caring for her now late mother, who had chronic health issues for most of her life. Lori is an integral part of the SeniorAdvice.com management team, acting as Vice President of Marketing and Chief Editor.
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