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Meals on Wheels delivers over 350 hot meals a day in Midland

County and helps combat social isolation for residents who live alone. (Photo provided /

Senior Services)

Meals on Wheels delivers over 350 hot meals a day in Midland County

BY JULIE RANDOLPH

Care Coordination Manager, Midland County Senior Services

When an older adult works with a care coordinator, one of the first discussions is about their nutritional health.

• Is the individual able to shop for groceries, cook, or clean up after a meal?

• Can the individual leave their home to attend a Senior Services Activity and Dining Center?

• Is the individual getting enough daily nutrients, including protein, grains, fruit and vegetables?

These factors and more help us determine the nutritional health of older adults.

One of the services that Senior Services provides to help older adults maintain their nutritional health is Meals on Wheels, a national nutrition program for older adults adopted into law in March of 1972 when President Richard Nixon signed an amendment to the Older Americans Act of 1965. Senior Services provides Meals on Wheels for older adults who have difficulty leaving their homes and difficulty preparing meals. Care coordination assessment determines Meals on Wheels eligibility. Income is not a determining factor for this program. Meals are intended to help during recovery from an illness, surgery, or medical treatments; or for frail individuals who would otherwise not have access to proper nutrition. Meals on Wheels can be delivered as long as the need exists. During the initial assessment, older adults have regularly reported fair or poor health, taking three or more medications, and a diagnosis of three or more medical conditions that impact their daily life.

Care coordinators arrange this service through the Nutrition Department at Senior Services. Each meal must adhere to strict dietary guidelines, meet state and local food safety and sanitation requirements, and appeal to older adults.

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