Delivered Meals, Friendly Visit & Support Services

Health Care Access

Expand existing project, program, or initiative

As stated the need for our services increased over 40% in the past 3 years with the need for free meals for low-income clients increasing 100% during this same time period. The actual cost of each delivery consisting of 2 meals is $17.13. For financially stable clients, their daily cost is $10.50. For low income clients our services are provided free of charge. We currently serve an average of 400 clients per day with 170 classified as low income clients per day, five days a week. While MOWLB continues to aggressively fund raise, from private foundations, corporations and individual donors, long term financial support is needed to serve an average of 100 low income clients served daily. Further the inflation continues to impact the elderly on fixed incomes, the demand for meal assistance continues to grow. Seniors that we served are isolated and cut off from accessing vital resources that can assist them remain in their homes. MOWLB support services provides access to these services.

Our primary goal is to provide nutritious meals, hydration, vital social contact and supportive services to homebound seniors, disabled and ailing community members who do not have the stamina, physical or mental health to buy their own groceries or prepare their own meals. Our program objectives are: 1. MOWLB will serve all clients in need of services. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the average number of clients served daily was 350. During the pandemic we were serving over 600 clients daily. 2. In 2023-2024 propose to serve a total of 450 average daily clients per year with additional grant funding. 3. MOWLB volunteers will deliver approximately 200,000 meals per year with increased grant funding. 4. MOWLB trained volunteers will report to our program manager any concerns regarding a client's well being which may be observed during the friendly visit that accompanies each meal delivery. 5. MOWLB staff will initiate a Client Support Program assessment and/or will contact their family if any concerns about their well being are noted by our volunteers. 6. MOWLB staff will contact a client's family or local police dept. to request a "wellness check" if a client is not available for a scheduled meal delivery. 7. On an as needed basis, MOWLB staff will report any suspected instances of elder or adult abuse or neglect to Adult Protective Services. 8. MOWLB staff assist clients in linking to healthcare providers, scheduling appointments and ensuring follow-up orders are met.

A core outcome of our Meal Delivery Program is homebound seniors and disabled or ailing community members receive the nutrition, social interaction & support services that enable them to continue living safely in their own homes with improved health outcomes. Adequate nutrients and calories contribute directly to our client's health. Our meals halt and counteract dangerous weight loss, mental fatigue as well as help our clients to regain strength and health following an illness or injury. The desired physical outcomes include relief from hunger, improved physical and mental health and increased strength, mobility and self-sufficiency. More than 50% of the clients who responded to our latest survey stated that our friendly visitor program was their only regular visitor. This type of interaction alleviates social isolation and depression and establishes rapport and trust, with improved mental health outcomes. MOWLB's Client Support program continues to connect clients to the community.

Through our Client Support Program each new client undergoes an initial assessment completed by the California State University Long Beach Nursing and Gerontology Program student interns. The students are under the direct supervision of Dr. Phyllis Cooper, CSULB, School of Nursing. This initial needs assessment is repeated at the 90 day interval of receiving the Meals on Wheels services. We evaluate the client's overall satisfaction with the meal delivery services. We assess the effectiveness of the client wellness checks, including medication management, and chronic illness education, the need for additional in-home supportive services. Through the ongoing client assessment process client needs are determined and addressed by staff. Client needs can range from their inability to access their health care provider to completing basic online applications that can provide resources to the senior that help them with in-home support services among other needed services.