Meals on Wheels is a name familiar to Australians and has had a place in the hearts and homes of Australians for more than 50 years.
Helping the frail older people and younger people with disabilities and their carers stay in their homes where most are happiest, is at the heart of the matter.
Delivery of nutritious meals, social interaction and regular visits ensure their clients’ well-being and also helps people live the life they choose. It’s not just the clients who value this contact; ask any of the 78,700 volunteers across Australia and they will tell you reaching out and being able to share moments with clients, making a difference in somebody else’s day, makes their day brighter too!
When Meals on Wheels held a recent Review of Service meeting, the feedback was that there seems to be a belief that the service is only available for older people.
“We need to advise the community that times have changed and we have expanded the service to include all members of the community. While the tradition and values of Meals on Wheels remain true to its origins, the new focus is on people of all ages, from all walks of life,” a spokesperson said.
“In the past clients would be referred through local doctors or health services staff. Today we offer the same quality Meals on Wheels service for a very reasonable charge of $7.50 per meal to anyone in the community who wishes to have regular hot (or frozen) meals delivered. This can be short-term or for a longer period of time depending on the client’s needs.”
If you have a family member, or would personally benefit from this service, contact the Meals on Wheels co-ordinator for the Stanthorpe area Linda Brown on 0488 529 060.
