Home Services Meals on Wheels Home Delivered Meals
Home Delivered Meals
Meals on Wheels of NMCAA COVID-19 Mitigation Plan
During this continued time of heightened concern and uncertainty around the spread of COVID-19, we are committed to the safety, health, and well-being of the seniors and families we service, our staff, and volunteers.
We are taking precautions at all levels of our organization and working with our staff and volunteers to practice recommendations from the CDC from which we have developed procedures.
We have received recommendations from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) for COVID-19, and hve implementing the following plan based on these recommendation
* Once a week delivery of frozen meals have replaced daily hot meal deliveries.
* Staff conducts friendly assurance/safety checks as needed.
* Suggested meal donations will remain $4.00/meal.
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Bob Wilson, Meals on Wheels Volunteer Driver for 19 years, with client:
“So many of our clients are by themselves. For them, we deliver more than food; there’s compassion and companionship that is another kind of nourishment. It shows someone outside their family cares for them. It’s especially important when families are spread out. It reminds me of a culture from years ago where people looked out for each other. Without Meals on Wheels, I don’t know who would pick up the slack, and I know where people would end up; they fear the facility.”
Meals on Wheels delivers so much more than a nutritious daily meal to our frail, homebound seniors who are unable to prepare meals and often alone.
Compassion, companionship and peace of mind is another kind of nourishment that we provide for seniors in Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee and Wexford counties. Meals on Wheels enables folks to live with independence and dignity in their own homes.
What does Meals on Wheels provide?
Meals:
Frozen Meals delivered once a week based on physical address for delivery.
Malnutrition and poor nutrition occurs in 15-50% of the elderly population. Well-balanced meals meet one third of a senior’s daily nutrition requirements and are meant to be their main meal of the day. Meals are also provided for spouses so that they can eat together and the caregivers can maintain their own health and well-being.
Caring and Compassionate Drivers
Home bound seniors often suffer from isolation, depression and loneliness. Just as important as the meals, caring and compassionate drivers connect with our seniors daily and deliver smiles, friendship, a feeling that people care about them, a daily safety check, and peace of mind for the clients and their families.
Meals on Wheels is so much more than delivering a meal. Drivers provide daily surveillance of health and physical needs. They make sure the client is okay and comfortable. They talk. They hug. They trade stories. The volunteers become friends with their clients. Often, that friendship can be a lifesaver.
Meals on Wheels improves the dignity and quality of life for seniors. Precarious health status may be improved by proper diet, which may prevent hospitalization or institutionalization, and help seniors maintain themselves in their own homes. Considerable financial benefits may be realized by the client, his or her family, and the community as a whole. People may be released from the hospital earlier if meals are available at home. Knowledgeable staff complete comprehensive in-home assessments every 6 months to ensure that Meals on Wheels is meeting their needs and to connect them with community resources and to help them be safe, healthy, and independent in their homes.
Get Meals - Meals on Wheels
What are the eligibility criteria for clients to receive Meals on Wheels?
- 60 years of age or older, or a spouse of someone 60 years of age or older
- Unable to leave the home under normal circumstances
- Unable to prepare meals or obtain food
- Unable to dine at a
- No person is available who would be able and willing to prepare all meals
- Dietary needs can be appropriately met by the program
- Able to feed himself/herself
- Able to be home when meals are delivered
- Able to be available for in-home assessments, to ensure that Meals on Wheels is meeting their needs and to connect them with community resources and to help them be safe, healthy, and independent in their homes.
Client Suggested Donations
The actual cost of each meal served averages $8.03 per meal. The suggested contribution for eligible seniors is $4.00 per meal. No one is denied service because of an inability to contribute. All donations are used to purchase additional meals and minimize the necessity for waiting lists.
Methods of Service
Frozen meals are delivered once per week based on clients’ needs and location. These meals are designed to be the main meal of the day. Because funding for Meals on Wheels is not always sufficient to meet the needs of every eligible senior, meals may not be available for everyone who qualifies!
Short Term Needs
Many people receive Meals on Wheels for a week or two following hospitalization.
Special Diets
Strict therapeutic diets are not available at the present time. A few changes are made for diabetics, lower sodium, and those requiring mechanically adjusted or renal meals. Skim milk is served upon request.
Menu Pattern
Menus are designed to contain a wide variety of well-balanced nutritious meals. Each meal consists of a protein-rich entree, fruit, vegetables, bread, milk and dessert.
Private Pay Option
For more information about Meals for Wheels residents of Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties can contact Jennifer Watkins, Amber Wininger, or Lisa Robitshek at: (231) 947-3780 x1 or (800) 632-7334.
Missaukee and Wexford county residents may contact Amanda Mettler at: (231) 775-9781.
The toll-free number throughout our service area is (800) 632-7334.
