Who is
eligible for Meals-On-Wheels?
A person who is:
- At least 60 years of age
- The spouse or child with a disability of an individual who is at least 60 years of age and receiving Meals-On-Wheels, if it is in the best interest of the client
- Homebound - confined to their home or unable to leave their home under normal circumstances
- Unable to participate at a Senior Dining Site because of physical or emotional difficulties
- Able to feed themselves
- Able to be at home when the meals are delivered
Who makes
referrals?
Physicians, family members, friends, neighbors or individuals themselves
can make referrals. After the initial call to refer a senior to the program,
a Meals-On-Wheels representative will visit the prospective clients in
their home. This is done to determine if the client is eligible for the
service and to obtain information about the persons dietary needs.
How
much does it cost?
Clients are given the opportunity to donate towards the cost of the meals.
Some clients or their families donate the full cost of the meal or at
any level they prefer. An individual is never denied a meal if they do
not have the resources to contribute.
What
kinds of meals are available?
A wide variety of balanced meals are delivered at noontime Monday through
Friday. Sack lunches containing a sandwich, fruit, and milk can be provided
for an evening meal. Hot or frozen meals are available for seniors who
need food on weekends and holidays. All Meals-On-Wheels are salt restricted
and contain the vitamins and nutrients a senior needs. A doctor's diet
prescription is necessary for the following special diets:
- Diabetic; no concentrated sweets
- Low Fat
- Texture Modified, which is ground meet, finely chopped or soft foods
Who
delivers the meals?
Meals-On-Wheels depends on one of the largest volunteer groups in the
tri-county area. Over 1,800 individuals give one to two hours a month
delivering meals. These dedicated volunteers are from all walks of life;
many work for businesses or are members of organizations or places of
worship that sponsor meal routes. Often, parents and children deliver
weekend meals together. The parents feel this is a good way to teach their
children the importance of helping others and giving back to the community.
Call your local coordinator to find out how you can help. Training is
provided and there is always staff backup and support.
Who
pays for the meals?
Federal and state funds are provided through the Office of Services to
the Aging, Michigan Department of Community Health. These funds cover
a large part of the cost of the Meals-On-Wheels program. Grants from Clinton,
Eaton and Ingham Counties and the cities of Lansing and East Lansing,
community fundraising efforts and client donations all contribute to the
financial needs of this important service.
Where
do I call?
Call the local Meals-On-Wheels coordinator in your area
| Clinton County |
(517) 224-6881,
ext. 357 |
| Toll Free | 1-800-852-9272
|
| Eaton County | (517)
627-1532 |
| Greater
Lansing Area (Includes Lansing, East Lansing, Haslett and Okemos) |
(517)
887-1460 |
| Rural
Ingham County (Includes Holt, Mason, Williamston, Webberville, Stockbridge, Leslie, Dansville and Onondaga) |
(517)
676-2775 |
Are
there places where seniors can get together and enjoy a meal with friends?
Adults who are 60 years of age and older are invited to attend one of
the 35 Senior Dining sites located throughout Clinton, Eaton and Ingham
Counties. Meal guest enjoy good company and wholesome food, as well as
a variety of educational and entertainment programs. There is no charge
for these meals but donations are welcome. To find out more about Senior
Dining Sites call:
(517)
887-1393 or toll free 1-800-405-9141 |
Are
Meals-On-Wheels offered in other parts of the country?
Yes, use the Elder Care Locator, 800-677-1116 for toll free assistance
to identify agencies that serve the aging population anywhere in the United
States.
About
Meals-On-Wheels
Good nutrition and social interaction are vital for healthy living. Senior
citizens in Clinton, Eaton and Ingham Counties have access to both through
the Meals-On-Wheels program. The nutrition program provides hot, balanced
meals to homebound senior citizens who can't prepare their own food. For
many, the home delivered meal is the only hot food they have each day.
Meals-On-Wheels are available on a temporary or ongoing basis. Senior
also benefit from the personal contact with the volunteers who deliver
them. Because many clients live alone or with ailing spouses, having someone
check on them each day gives them a sense of well being and helps them
feel safe. Another major benefit of Meals-On-Wheels is independence. There
are many senior citizens in our communities who have basic needs, that,
if met, allow them to stay in their homes and lead independent lives.
