You might be shocked to know that 20-30% of seniors do not have access to a nutritious breakfast. Considering this is one of the most important meals of the day, that can cause a huge problem for their nutritional health.
That isn't the only meal that senior citizens have to go without. Many elderly people can no longer care for themselves or cook for themselves. As a result, they are unable to eat enough to maintain their health, which creates food insecurity.
Senior programs like Meals on Wheels are a great way to solve this problem. Let's look at who qualifies for Meals on Wheels in Arkansas, as well as other information about this senior care program.
What Is It?
Before we discuss who qualifies for Meals on Wheels, let's talk about what this program is. Meals on Wheels is a program that delivers hot, nutritious meals to aging seniors within the community.
Drivers deliver hot meals to the homes of homebound individuals as part of this amazing program. Sometimes the drivers are paid, and other times they are volunteers.
The drivers are responsible for more than just delivering the meals. As people who have regular interactions with those they serve, they can also check for signs of crisis with the individuals they visit. The volunteers can then notify the proper channels of any problems they find to the program directors.
Can You Receive Meals on Wheels?
Meals on Wheels provides an amazing service for homebound individuals. But, who qualifies for this program?
Meals on Wheels serves anyone who is unable to leave their home due to illness, frailty, or disability. However, you do not have to be a senior to benefit from having a fresh and nutritious meal delivered to your door by a kind and caring person.
The general guidelines to qualify for the program are as follows:
- Be 60 years or older and/or
- Must be disabled
- Be homebound
- Have no caregiver to help with meal preparation
- Live within the meal delivery area
In addition, the spouse of an eligible individual may be eligible for Meals on Wheels. They may also be eligible for the program if they have other disabled dependents.
Keep in mind that some agencies have more restrictions and exceptions than others. It's crucial to check with your local Area Agency on Aging to see if the program is right for you or a loved one.
How are Meals on Wheels Prepared?
To ensure the meals are fresh, they are prepared, packaged, and delivered to the individuals on the same day. Meals can be delivered in boxes, insulated bags, or special vehicles that keep the food warm. Monday through Friday is when most deliveries are made from your local Senior Center.
Sometimes, Friday deliveries include frozen meals. These help keep the seniors going through the weekend when they won't get active deliveries. They can also serve as a backup meal if something happens to prevent the driver from reaching the home one day.
What Benefits Can Meals On Wheels Provide?
Seniors are at a much greater risk for malnutrition because of the disproportionate number who do not have the ability to access healthy food. About 16% of the seniors in Arkansas are considered to be food insecure. Even for seniors who do have access to healthy food, limited mobility makes it more difficult for them to prepare their own meals. This lack of nutrients can cause new and worsening health issues, which could cause slow healing and even hospitalization. Beneficial services like Meals on Wheels will give them time and energy to devote to other things in their lives.
Meals on Wheels for seniors provides face-to-face contact with someone up to five days a week when their food is delivered by a volunteer. Individuals who are homebound, particularly the elderly, frequently experience isolation and its negative consequences. Brown University found that seniors who participated in the Meals on Wheels program benefited from the face-to-face contact itself and helped prevent depression, falls, and even hospitalizations, in some cases. This is a greatly needed benefit especially for those who may live alone or at a distance from their close friends and family.
How to Find Meals on Wheels Near Me
How to get Meals on Wheels in Arkansas depends on the area of the state in which you live. The Meals on Wheels program is implemented using your local chapter of the Arkansas Association of Area Agencies on Aging.
For folks in Clark, Conway, Garland, Hot Springs, Johnson, Montgomery, Perry, Pike, Pope, and Yell counties, contact the Area Agency on Aging of West Central Arkansas to see if you or your loved one qualifies for Meals on Wheels.
Important Next Steps
After you get connected with your Area Agency on Aging via phone, email, or in-person visit, their Information and Assistance team will schedule an initial assessment. Some information or items that may be helpful during the assessment to determine the scope of care or other areas of need may include:
- Dietary restrictions (e.g., food allergies and/or diabetes)
- Emergency contacts
- Current medical issues (including chronic)
- Prescription list
- Adaptive equipment used (e.g., Walker, lift chair, etc…)
- Primary care physician contact information
- Secondary or specialist physician contact information
- Health insurance information
- A general timeline of any hospitalizations
Get Started Today
Meals on Wheels is an excellent way to ensure seniors eat nutritious, well-balanced meals and get enough nutrients in their bodies.
Are you ready to start with Meals on Wheels or other senior care services? Our team can help. Get in touch to learn more about our senior care services in Hot Springs, Russellville, and the rest of Arkansas.
I’m interested in meals on wheels. I can’t stand long enough to cook for myself due to back issues. I’m 79 yrs old. Would I be eligible to receive this service?
I’m 90.yrs old live alone and would like to apply for meals on wheels. I can not be around the stove. Dr
Orders.
I’m blessed to have someone 🙏 who is bless to come out and make sure that feeds me and make sure you are doing good and well 🙏💔🙏🙏 thank you GOD’S children 😊😊🙏
My 96 year old WW2 Veteran neighbor doesn’t qualify for home delivered meals because he still has a car. Inclimate weather keeps him unable to go to meal site in winter, yet they won’t deliver. I think this is shameful! What can be done about this?
I’m 80 & have to use a walker to get around.
I can’t stand long enough to cook a meal.
Please let me know if I can get a meal a day delivered?
How long do I qualify for meals on wheels ?
I was receiving meals on wheels, however it stopped without notice
Call this number if you need Meals on Wheels. This is the number for Arkansas but they can help you get the number for the Meals on Wheels in your state and city.
1-800-46-2170
This is the number 1-800-467-2170
I am 77 yrs old I have severe back problems and congestive heart failure I can’t stand to long
I Found the National phone Number for Meals on Wheels. They can help you find a local meals on wheels in whichever state and city you live in. You’re Welcome! 1-888-998-6325
In Mills on wheels for younger homebound people if they’re homebound for younger adults and younger kids could you give us the homebound number for the younger adults and younger kids please
I would like to be on the list for meals on wheels
I would like to be on list for meal on wheel. Address
Line g launer
156 Suffolk d
Boca Raton Florida
5616098669
linelauner920@gmail.com
Thank you
I need it because I have a arthritis in the foot two of them the back and now I find out this year I have it in the both hands
Hello my name is Mrs Gladys west I’m 60 years old I’m not able to cook lunch my legs get very weak and I’m disabled I have nursing services five days a week I can’t stand near the stove for very long I have a lot of health issues I hope that I can qualify for meals on wheels so I can have a health lunch for the day thank you so much
Yes I’m looking for Meal on wheels my aunt Connie Lopez has problems with her legs. My aunt live in Fontana Ca 92335
Can I get meals on wheels
Where I live Shelby, Shelby County Alabama, there is no food delivery service for disabled shut ins. The meals on wheels here has a guideline of you have be 69 or over period.
Where do the disabled shut ins turn for help
Hello. I am 50 years old but I am disabled. I used a cane for assistance. I live in the V. I. Am I qualified for this?
My name is CLYDE HONEY, and I am 73 years old. I am a Diabetic,, I have Asthma Bronchitis; Leg problems,(due to Fluid buildup, & Venus Insufficiency); & the bones in both Legs, cracks & pops due to the bones grinding against each other; It’s hard for me to be able to clutch items in both hands; I have to rely on my Daughter to help put my Socks on & remove off; I have to visit a Podiatrist about every 4 to 6 weeks, to have Callouses removed from my Feet & Toes; I have a dislocated Cartledge in my left Leg, had a Colonoscopy; I had to have my Veins stripped in both Legs; & had a Shoulder Replacement done on my right Shoulder, which is pain is unbearable, without OTC Pain Pills!!. My Daughter Babysits on the side, to add to her Income, due to her Medical Insurance being canceled, due to her Insurance Company canceling ALL forms of Company Insurances, which she had to join another Medical Insurance, which costs approximately 2 times MORE than what she was paying, & was taken out of her Salary!!!. ALL of this listed above, has caused somewhat of a hardship, even with my Retirement Income, but we SURVIVE, thanks to OUR LORD & SAVIOR!!!.
Hello my name is Michael and I would to inquire about meals on wheels im almost 50y/o and I’m diabetic and hypertensive reason I would like to be on meals on wheel coz of my diabetic issues ,my diabetic reading is always high and my A1cus at 15.now which is not good,I also disabled like I have been in stroke in 2015now I’m disability can only lift 17lbs and I can’t stand that long in cooking or preparing food .if there a way of getting back at me in this number 9092268637 I appreciate this opportunity. Thank u and God bless
NEVER TOO LATE TO FIX THE BROKEN….
I’m 57 I saw once or twice every time I get up I don’t know what’s wrong I’m going to the doctor and trying to see what’s going on my feet are numb my legs are numb but the pain is up and down my feet and my legs citizens for disability is helping me with social security for the last 7 months can I qualify for meals on Wheels
I’m too weak to cook or move around. It seems like a chore just to take a shower. Can I please get this meals on wheels. It would make me and my mom a lot of help. She’s 81 years old and I’ll be 61 years old in March. Please help us. My medical condition is cancer.
Nice article thanks for sharing.