Meals on Wheels Helps Older Homebound Adults
Seniors and Others Volunteer to Prevent Hunger in the Elderly
Apr 29, 2009
According to Current Population Survey from 2000-2005, there were over 5 million older adults who experienced some sort of food insecurity. At greater risk are African-American, Hispanics, never-married, renters, and Southerners. Seniors living alone or with a grandchild are also at greater risk.
Effects of Hunger on Homebound Seniors
Hunger, or low levels of nutrition among senior citizens, can have negative effects on health and general well-being. There are varied consequences of poor nutrition including lowered energy, poor general health, and more possibility of issues with activities of daily living.
Why Seniors Need Meals on Wheels
Some are disabled or have medical conditions, but not all. Frail seniors may be able to fix their breakfast, but their energy dwindles during the day.
Surprisingly, younger seniors age 60-64 are at high risk of poor nutrition or hunger. In addition, the population benefiting from these meals cuts across the income spectrum, 50% having incomes above the poverty level.
Services Provided by Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels delivers meals to homebound seniors, especially those with no one home during the day to prepare them a lunch. Meals are delivered 3-5 days a week, with frozen meals available for the non-delivery days. In more remote areas, recipients may be supplied with more frozen meals to allow for fewer delivery days.
In some colder climates, Blizzard Bags are provided each winter in case of extended loss of electricity, ice storm, or similar situations. In coastal areas, some are provided with Hurricane Boxes to supply a few basic meals when disaster strikes. These provisions help protect this vulnerable population during times of emergency.
For a number of people, the conversation with the volunteer who delivers the meal may be the only conversation they have all day. The value of such human contact is inestimable as it helps keep their spirits up.
Financial Support for Meals on Wheels Programs
There are local differences, but support comes from varied places. Some comes from corporate and personal charitable donations, grants, and some has come from the United Way. Since much of the work is volunteered, costs are kept down. Yet budgets do run close, and donations are welcomed.
Recipient or their families are requested to make a good faith effort toward monthly donations to help defray cost of the meals. Yet no one is refused a meal when donations are not made.
Meals on Wheels Volunteers
Volunteers are used in several ways in different locales. Many deliver the meals, although some help with food packing, as kitchen help, with bulk mail, as supply drivers and for other special events. Training classes are provided when needed.
There is a vital need in most areas for more volunteers. Some companies take on the responsibility of a day a week or several days a month, etc. The Tulsa Drillers baseball organization has been of help. In Houston a number of companies have pitched in.
Also, a number of churches sign up for designated days during each week or month. However, a large proportion of the volunteers are themselves older adults who rise to the occasion to help their fellow seniors.
One volunteer octogenarian said he'd done many things in his life, but this meal delivery he so faithfully does each Monday is by far the most satisfying thing he has ever done. What a recommendation! Maybe there are readers who will consider this fine opportunity to serve their community by volunteering or donating.
There are a variety of services provided by Meals on Wheels, chief of which is a daily meal. There is always a need for more volunteers, and donations are willingly accepted. Meals on Wheels makes the lives of homebound seniors both more nutritious and more enjoyable.
Source: Interview with volunteers including Bill and Marjory Stehm, and Orman and Ruby Landers, and Bogan Smith.
 |
 |
