If you are a caregiver who is worried that your elderly loved one is not eating nutritious and hot meals, a meal delivery service may be an option for you. The staff at Elder Care Direction can help you to learn more about meal delivery services for the elderly.
Meal services for older adults
The National Foundation to End Senior Hunger reports that around 14 percent of elderly adults are at risk of hunger. The American Academy of Family Physicians reports that an estimated 3.7 million older adults are malnourished in the U.S. Fortunately, there are meal delivery services to help seniors who are at home and caregivers alike. It’s important for you to research a service to decide whether it will work for your family.
Is a meal delivery service right for you and your loved one?
As a caregiver of an elderly loved one, you are likely very hardworking. You may have little time to cook meals on top of handling your other responsibilities. This may make meal delivery services a good choice for your loved one so that you can make certain that he or she gets nutritious meals when you are short on time or simply need a break.
If your elderly parents live far away, a meal delivery service may give you peace of mind that they receive hot meals. It is important for you to determine your parents’ needs to make certain that remaining in their home is the right choice, however.
Meal delivery services
1. Meals On Wheels
The largest provider of meals to seniors in the U.S., Meals on Wheels is made up of 5,000 programs that are located across the nation. In some counties and states, it offers dietary food choices and catered menus. It is part of a campaign to help ensure that seniors are nourished in an affordable and easy way. Some community Meals on Wheels programs distribute meals to local senior centers while others deliver meals directly to the seniors’ homes. You can check for the services that are available in your area by entering your zip code in the Meals on Wheels tool. The costs of meal delivery services vary depending on the branch of the program. There are also programs available for financial assistance.
2. Personal Chef to Go
Personal Chef to Go offers healthy lunch and dinner choices nationwide. Their meals comply with the guidelines of the American Heart Association. This service offers a varied meal plan to fit different palettes and lifestyles and includes ethnic cuisine choices. Personal Chef to Go offers biweekly and weekly delivery options. The plans start at $70 for a sampler of five meals and up to $175 for a plan that includes 16 meals.
3. Private chef
Hiring a private chef may not be an option that everyone is able to afford, but it can be ideal if you are able to afford to hire one. Some people may hire a private chef to cook a couple of times per week to make it more affordable. You should complete a background check on any private chef that you consider. Get recommendations from other people so that you can find someone who is skilled and trustworthy. Personal chefs may cost anywhere from $75 per meal to $500 per week.
4. Churches and community senior centers
There are many community senior centers and churches that offer hot meals. Each center may be different. Some may only offer meals on weekends while others might offer meals several days per week. Meals may be eaten at the senior center or carried out. The menu options may be fairly limited, however. Churches and senior centers may also have information on delivery services in your area, so they are a good place to begin your search.
Things to consider
Meal delivery services offer greater flexibility to older adults who want to stay in their homes or in the homes of their family members. Older adults will also need social activities in addition to meals. If seniors are isolated, meal delivery services may make their loneliness worse. If your elderly loved one is isolated, a senior living community might be a good choice. If your loved one lives with you, meal delivery services may give you a needed break. To learn more about the choices that you might have, contact Elder Care Direction today by filling out our contact form.