Information for Clients
Making a Referral
Agencies wishing to refer clients to the Meals on Wheels Service should take into account 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 their relevant local 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 the 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 given to the client upon commencement of meals. This provides full details of the service supplying the meals and also informs them of important information including their delivery days and cost of the meals.