Meals on Wheels fights isolation

Edmonton Meals on Wheels (EMOW) is about more than just a meal.

The agency’s programs provide physical nourishment, but are also the vehicle that breaks down barriers associated with isolation. This creates independence and healthy aging for their clients.

Visits from volunteers are also an essential tool in reducing feelings of loneliness; 70 per cent of EMOW clients live alone.

The variety of programs offered – both hot and frozen meals, multiple grocery programs – helps the agency meet the changing demands of a growing city. Whether it’s long- or short-term, multiple or a single program, Meals on Wheels ensures their clients are being taken care of.

Fred is using the hot meal program temporarily, having just recovered from hip surgery and preparing for surgery on his knee. This hard working Blue Jays fan doesn’t like to whine or feel bad for himself.

However, Fred recognizes he’s in a position where he just needs a little help right now. The retired fastball player was referred to the EMOW programs by his hip and knee clinic. He enjoys interacting with the different volunteers who deliver his meals.

An EMOW client since 2010, June has become an expert on the services the agency provides. Of the services the agency offers, June is a recipient of three: the Hot Meal Program, The Grocery Bag program and the Store To Door program. These programs enable this 85-year-old to live in her own home, where she’s comfortable and with her friends nearby.

“Your volunteers are so terrific, my goodness they’re lovely, lovely people. They keep a lot of people in their homes, probably including me,” said June. “They’re vital.”

The relationships that form between clients and volunteers have a major impact on our client’s quality of life, even when the client is not on the program long-term. Not only are the visits beneficial for the client, the volunteers are heavily invested in the well-being of the clients they deliver to.

Volunteers are asked to perform informal wellness checks, and to look for changes in behavior and to identify potential issues a client could face. In the case of falls or illness, these check-ins have led to life-saving intervention.

If you’re unable to cook for yourself or are homebound, EMOW and its dedicated volunteers have you covered. While 87 per cent of EMOW clients are over 60 years of age, there are no age requirements to sign up.

Whether you are reliant on many EMOW services, or using the service temporarily, Edmonton Meals on Wheels ensures you’re being taken care of.

For more information contact the office at (780) 429-2020 or visit www.mealsonwheelsedmonton. org.

EdMonton Meals on Wheels Edmonton Meals on Wheels volunteers like Chandran (left) do more than deliver meals to clients like June (right) – they also provide some much needed social interaction .