Bob Wilson, Meals on Wheels Volunteer Driver for 19 years, with client, Doris McCloskey

“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, 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

Malnutrition and poor nutrition occurs in 15-50% of the elderly population. Well-balanced frozen 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

Homebound 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 weekly 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 weekly 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.

Independence

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.

To inquire about eligibility for Meals on Wheels, please click here