| Q. What is Meals on Wheels? |
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The Meals on Wheels Program is a service designed to provide a hot, nutritious noon meal to homebound older adults and those with disabilities confining them to their homes. Meals on Wheels are delivered by community volunteers who donate their time and the use of their vehicles to serve those in need. |
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| Q. Who is eligible to receive Meals on Wheels? |
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The typical recipient is 60 years old or older and lives
alone. However, eligibility for the service is based entirely
upon the individual's need. There are NO income requirements
or restrictions on the list of qualifying criteria. The eligibility
criteria considered include the individual's: Being essentially
homebound. Inability to prepare meals. Inability to leave
home to purchase meals or to shop for food. Having no cooking
facilities. Individuals deemed ineligible may be referred
to the The Center at Spring Street which offers a variety
of programs and services and also serves meals to anyone
age
55 or older. |
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| Q. How long can an individual receive Meals on Wheels? |
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This depends entirely upon the needs of the individual. Meals on Wheels can provide short-term assistance for someone recuperating from an illness or surgery. However, continuing, long-term service will be provided if needed. |
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| Q. What types of meals are provided? |
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The meals are prepared under the supervision of a registered dietitian whose intent is to provide a balanced, nutritious and appealing meal. Most frequently, the hot noon meal includes a portion of meat (protein), one vegetable, and one serving of starch (such as potato or rice). Cold items include bread or roll, margarine, 1% milk, and dessert or fruit. The cold evening meal includes a sandwich, side, desert and a drink. |
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| Q. What about special dietary needs? |
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All prepared meals are low-salt, low-fat and low-sugar and therefore accommodate most prescription diets ordered by physicians. |
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| Q. What is the charge for the meals? |
A. |
Recipients are asked to contribute towards the cost
of the meal. However, NO ONE will be denied service due
to the inability to contribute. Each week the volunteer
delivering the meal will provide the recipient with an
envelope for a confidential and voluntary donation which
may be returned with the volunteer the next day.
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| Q. Who prepares the meals for delivery? |
A. |
The food is prepared on site at The Center at Spring Street where it is packed for delivery to individual recipients. |
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| Q. What is the application process? |
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Anyone can make a referral for Meals on Wheels. Most often referrals are made by physicians, hospital or rehabilitative social workers, home health agencies, family members, or the individual himself. A Meals on Wheels staff member will usually make a home visit prior to the start of meal delivery. Referrals may be made by calling: Boyertown Area Multi-Service, Inc. (610) 367-6957 |
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| Q. How is the Meals on Wheels program funded? |
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The Meals on Wheels program is funded by the Berks County Area Agency on Aging, Montgomery County Aging and Adult Services, and recipient contributions. |
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| Q. What if it’s necessary to cancel a meal? |
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Meals are delivered five days a week. However, if a recipient must cancel a day's meal because of a doctor's visit or other vital reason, the office should be notified in advance. Messages should not be given to volunteers to convey to the Meals on Wheels office. |
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| Q. What if the weather is bad? |
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Every attempt is made to deliver Meals on Wheels. However, if the roads are unsafe, meals will be cancelled. Emergency "Snowpacks" are available to recipients to be used when snow or ice forces cancellation of Meals on Wheels delivery. Radio station WPAZ (1370 AM) and Comcast Channel 15 (Channel 69) will announce all Meals on Wheels cancellations. |
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| Q. Are Meals on Wheels volunteers needed? |
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Volunteers are always needed. Individuals who can serve for approximately one and a half-hours, one or two days per month and are willing to drive or assist the driver in delivery should call Multi-Service at (610) 367-6957. |