Meals on Wheels’ service more vital than ever
AS more people self-isolate, especially older and more vulnerable people, there is an increasing need for supports to help them to remain in their homes, to limit the number of people they interact with and to ensure that they remain nourished, warm, safe and connected.
In Knocknagoshel, this task is being undertaken by the Knocknagoshel Meals-on-wheels team under the auspices of the Knocknagoshel Over 55’s Social Club and Women’s Group. This team is made up of part-time paid staff, RSS Scheme workers and an increasing number of volunteers.
The meals-on-wheels service delivers to over 150 clients, many of whom are elderly and living alone in isolated parts of the parishes of Knocknagoshel, Lyreacrompane, Duagh, Abbeyfeale, Brosna, Cordal and parts of Castleisland. The task of delivering hot meals, groceries and information six days per week takes co-ordination, co-operation and dedication.
Three vehicles, each with a driver and assistant set out each day from the Knocknagoshel Community Centre armed with insulated boxes containing meals which are plated to the requirements of each client. The Group owns two vehicles used at present solely for deliveries. Two volunteers also use their own vehicles to supplement the Group’s vehicles and ensure that clients get their meals at the same time each day. Continuity of service is key to maintaining people in their own homes.
In the kitchen, a team of three dedicated chefs prepare a varied menu of soups, nourishing main courses and mouth-watering desserts each day. One staff member is dedicated to hygiene to ensure that the Centre and the delivery vehicles are cleaned before and after each day’s deliveries. The health and safety of each client, each worker and the general population is essential to the success of the service.
A team of seven RSS Scheme workers, many of whom have postponed their annual leave are rostered to help throughout each week. Since St Patrick’s Day, many businesses have temporarily closed. Several laid-off workers have volunteered their time to help with the meals. Restaurants have closed their doors and donated their leftover supplies to this worthwhile cause.
The Group will deliver meals to families who want to self-isolate, to families with young children where worried and stressed parents may need a break from cooking. Our chefs have developed a kids’ menu to suit young tastes.
In addition to the meals-onwheel service, the Group also deliver groceries and collect and return laundry which is washed and dried in the community laundry in the Centre. The Group have also set up a phone support service for older people who might be anxious, may need information or other supports. Two dedicated staff man the phones for this service.
The Group has set up a Facebook page Meals-onwheels Knocknagoshel (https://www.facebook.com/ Meals-on-Wheels-Knocknagoshelwhich has the daily menu choices, contact numbers as well as lots of advice on how to weather this critical storm.