Meal delivery can change lives – just ask these doctors
For years, Edmonton Meals on Wheels has been giving homebound individuals their independence back.
Thanks in large part to its dedicated volunteers, it provides food security and a break in isolation for thousands of Edmontonians who are confined to their homes. From food preparation to the delivery of meals, volunteers lend their helping hands so others can live healthier lives.
It is through laughter, stories and grateful compliments from clients that volunteers have been able to see the difference their work has made.
That is, until Dr. Seth A. Berkowitz and his team decided to test similar meal programs and the effect they have on an individual’s health. At the time of the study, Dr. Berkowitz was an assistant professor at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School in Boston. The study spanned over two years and included over 3,000 participants.
What did Dr. Berkowitz and his team find?
Those who are homebound or critically or chronically ill had fewer visits to the emergency room once they started to receive healthy meals that suited their dietary needs.
“We have clear evidence that medically tailored meals can have a positive effect on patient health while lowering the cost of care,” said Dr. Berkowitz.
They also had fewer nights spent in the hospital, and an overall reduced need for medical services, resulting in an overall decrease in medical spending.
This same outcome has been echoed closer to home by Dr. Richard Lewanczuk, senior medical director with Primary Health Care at Alberta Health Services. He stresses the fact that Meals on Wheels matters to the health care system, and lists off a variety of points to support his statement, including: it helps prevent food insecurity, it provides daily contact, and it allows for volunteer opportunities, improving the health of volunteers.
So, what can you do to help keep your isolated neighbours out of the hospital and in their own homes? Consider volunteering at Edmonton Meals on Wheels. By doing so, you ensure those who are in need can continue to count on healthy, home delivered meals and the regular visits that they need. These two things can and will change the lives of those who are homebound in our city.
To get involved with Edmonton Meals on Wheels, visit the website at www.mealsonwheelsedmonton.org.