The future for Meals on Wheels? Reviewing innovative approaches to meal provision for ageing populations

Abstract

Winterton R, Warburton J, Oppenheimer M. The future for Meals on Wheels? Reviewing innovative approaches to meal provision for ageing populationsThe global phenomenon of population ageing is impacting on how community care is delivered, and a key component of health and social care services for the frail elderly is Meals on Wheels (MOW), a service that has traditionally encompassed delivering meals to older people in their homes. However, aspects of this conceptualisation of MOW are being redefined in order to address challenges posed by tightening global financial contexts, a reliance on volunteers and increasing social isolation among ageing populations. Through a review of the literature and websites from selected countries (UK, USA, Canada, Australia), this article explores and critically evaluates models of MOW delivery addressing these challenges. Findings suggest that MOW services are utilising a marketised approach, moving outside of the home and incorporating diverse volunteer roles. These findings demonstrate how services such as MOW can develop sustainable approaches to service delivery in a contemporary context. Key Practitioner Message:• A review of innovative MOW highlights service models of broader applicability; • Varied delivery models and more diverse volunteer roles appeal to new sources of volunteers; • Research into the development of sustainable models with positive client social outcomes is now required.

The nutritional status and energy and protein intakes of MOW clients and the need for further targeted strategies to enhance intakes

“…Better referral systems between hospital discharge staff, General Practitioners and community health care providers may facilitate an increased uptake of the MOW service by older adults at nutritional risk (Winterton et al 2013). A study from New Zealand highlighted a lack of knowledge about available MOW services and poor understanding about eligibility to access the service (Wilson et al 2011).…”

“…Despite being a group at high nutritional risk, there is a paucity of information on the dietary intakes, usage and storage of meals by MOW clients. A few small studies from Australia (Galea et al 2013;Charlton et al 2013;Winterton et al 2013), New Zealand (Wilson et al 2011) and Ireland (O'Dwyer et al, 2009) highlight a need for further evaluations of MOW services and better marketing to health professionals and potential clients, as well as a range of strategies to enhance dietary intakes. The aims of this exploratory study were to: determine the nutritional status of MOW clients and to estimate the adequacy of their daily protein and energy intakes.…”

‘It fitted in with our lifestyle’: an investigation into episodic volunteering in the tourism sector

“…While this would suggest that there is a growing recruitment pool for volunteers, this segment of the population is also more affluent and has many more opportunities and demands on their free time in retirement. Competition for volunteer services is fierce, with volunteer-involving organisations needing to adapt as individuals, especially baby-boomers and Millennials, become more discretionary about where they volunteer, for how long, and in what types of roles (Winterton, Warburton & Oppenheimer, 2013). Volunteer organisations have to compete with family commitments, work, increased mobility, with volunteers taking more and longer holidays and many other leisure possibilities for their volunteers.…”

Service providers' and health professionals' views and suggestions for the Australian National Meal Guidelines for the Commonwealth Home Support Program

“…isolation and difficulties shopping) can impact food intake and contribute to poor nutritional status . Providing home‐delivered and centre‐based meals is an effective strategy to assist older adults to maintain their health, support independence, provide social engagement and stay in their own homes . For example, the community‐based organisation Meals on Wheels (MOW) annually delivers over 10 million meals to more than 50 000 customers .…”

“…5,8 Providing home-delivered and centre-based meals is an effective strategy to assist older adults to maintain their health, support independence, provide social engagement and stay in their own homes. [9][10][11][12] For example, the community-based organisation Meals on Wheels (MOW) annually delivers over 10 million meals to more than 50 000 customers. 13,14 There are over 500 services that provide for all Australian states and one territory, with the number and size of services varying, and Queensland and New South Wales representing 63% of these (S. Broer, Personal communication, June 2018).…”