How Can We Help?
Meals on Wheels delivers healthy meals to clients' home to not only ensure their nutritional requirements are being met, but to provide regular social contact and a friendly check to see all is well. This enables people to continue to live in their own homes, where most are happiest.
Meals on Wheels provides meals to suit a client's personal requirements and can accommodate special dietary needs and taste preferences.
A standard Meals on Wheels meal consists of a soup, main meal, dessert and juice and may be delivered hot, cold or frozen. Most services offer a five day a week service, however many will supply you with frozen meals for the weekend or days you are unable to be home for meal delivery.
If you would like further information please contact your local Meals on Wheels service or click on a link below to learn more.
Your rights and responsibilities
In Queensland, a client usually applies for Meals on Wheels by contacting their local Meals on Wheels Service. They may also be referred from other services, such as a hospital, GP or social worker, etc. The Meals on Wheels Service will assess the client’s needs using an intake form. Anyone can refer a client to Meals on Wheels provided the client is aware and gives permission for the referral. The intake process is used for the purposes of the Home and Community Care (HACC) Program.
Meals on Wheels have formulated its own Referral Certificate, which is widely used by Medical Practitioners and allows for the specification of dietary needs.
Once a client has been referred, a coordinator from their local Service contacts them to discuss any special requirements and delivery of the meals. Special diets are arranged as required.
If a client has any hazards in their home (Eg: a dog or broken step etc) that may affect the volunteer who delivers the meal they can advise the service coordinator so they can ensure the volunteer takes care during the delivery.
Please contact your local Meals on Wheels Service to clarify their individual application requirements and to discuss what options are available.
Making a Referral
Agencies wishing to refer clients to the Meals on Wheels Service should take into consideration that kitchens and administrative staff start early in the morning and therefore by 1:00pm most centres will have signed off. It is important that referrals are passed to the relevant local Meals on Wheels Service by midday if possible.
Once a client is referred to the Meals on Wheels Service, it does not necessarily mean they are no longer able to care for themselves indefinitely, unless so stipulated. Some clients are referred after undergoing surgery or treatment in Hospital. Others may have suffered a serious illness at home or have experienced a bereavement of a close family member of the household, which temporarily prevents them from undertaking shopping and cooking activities. It may be that after receiving a nutritious meal for some weeks, the client regains health and confidence which enables them to return to normal household activities again.
When a client is referred to the Meals on Wheels Service, a person from their local Service usually conducts an interview with them. At the interview full details of their next of kin, Medical Practitioner, etc is obtained. Special instructions regarding physical disability and/or the method of entry to the house is also recorded for the information of the Volunteers who will be delivering the meals to the client.
A comprehensive kit containing a brochure and booklet is usually issued by the local service to the client upon commencement of meals. This provides full details of the local service supplying the meals and also informs the client of important information including their delivery days and cost of the meals.
What is the cost of a meal?
Meals on Wheels clients pay a fee (currently between $5.00 and $10.00) for each meal delivered to their door. It is through a combination of volunteers, Government assistance, clients and the wonderful community support which meets the cost of producing the meals. Costs of meals depend upon conditions and factors prevailing to the particular area of the local service. Variations in the cost of meat, fruit and vegetables all affect the meal price therefore each local Meals on Wheels Service sets the cost for its meals. Payment for the meals is arranged with your local Meals on Wheels Service.
Most Meals on Wheels meals sourced from hospitals are supplied at a cost of $5.50 as from 1st July 2007.
For further details please contact your local Meals on Wheels Service provider.
Meals on Wheels is not means tested therefore the Meals on Wheels Service does not enquire into the financial affairs of clients. All client records are kept strictly confidential.
Your Rights & Responsibilities
Your Rights Are
- You have a right to express your concerns about the service without fear of losing the service.
- You have a right to have your complaints dealt with fairly and promptly.
- You have a right to be represented by an Advocate of your choice.
- You have a right to be assessed to receive meals without discrimination.
- You have a right to have your specific dietary requirements met where possible.
- You have a right to privacy and confidentiality.
- You can expect that no information about you will be provided to anyone else outside the service without
your permission.
- You have a right to view any information about yourself held by the service.
- You have a right to refuse the service without retribution.
Your Responsibilities Are
- To pay the Meals on Wheels Service for your meals.
- To advise the Meals on Wheels Service if you are not going to be home when the meal is delivered. (If you
are not home when the volunteer arrives, the meal will not be left).
- To advise the Meals on Wheels Service if you are going to be absent for any short or extended time.
- To advise the Meals on Wheels Service of your special dietary needs
- To correctly store your meal immediately if not eaten straight away. (Refer to ‘How to store you meal’ in Nutritional Information).
For further information please contact your local Meals on Wheels Service.