MAKING THE CASE FOR MEALS ON WHEELS
For more than 55 years, Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud has supported our community’s aging population, serving as a lifeline for those struggling with food insecurity, nutritional challenges, mobility, isolation, and other age-related difficulties. Our program begins with a meal - but it is so much more! Meals on Wheels deliveries open the door to building relationships with individuals and families - providing support and services that promote independence and well-being.
Recently, Meals on Wheels America released findings from a comprehensive review of 38 studies regarding the efficacy of Meals on Wheels programs. The results reaffirm the incredible impact that Meals on Wheels programs have in communities nationwide.
These studies consistently demonstrate that Meals on Wheels not only reduces healthcare utilization but also plays a pivotal role in preventing nursing home and hospital admissions, resulting in substantial healthcare cost savings. The outcomes of these studies are nothing short of extraordinary. They are attributed to the profound impact of Meals on Wheels on the critical aspects of well-being for older adults.
Meals on Wheels addresses various factors that can significantly contribute to healthcare costs, including:
Food Security: Ensuring that older adults have access to nutritious meals.
Diet Quality: Promoting balanced and healthy eating.
Nutritional Status: Ensuring older adults receive the important nutrients they need to thrive.
Social Isolation and Loneliness: Fostering social connections.
Falls and Home Safety: Providing regular safety and well-being checks.
Through the core mission of delivering nutritious meals and fostering social connections, Meals on Wheels supports older adults in maintaining their health, independence, and the ability to age in the comfort of their own homes. Everyone is happier at home!
This comprehensive review provides clear and compelling evidence of the transformative power of Meals on Wheels. It’s not just about meals - Meals on Wheels is a holistic and proactive approach that ultimately leads to reduced healthcare costs - saving both money and lives.
We encourage you to take a look at this review and see how you can find ways to support this movement that is making a tangible difference in the lives of our neighbors in need.