Every weekday, dozens of volunteers deliver hundreds of meals to seniors and adults living with disabilities in Guelph and Wellington County.
Those volunteers are a lifeline for some of our most vulnerable neighbours, many of whom are unable to shop for and prepare food for themselves. Some clients are unable even to answer their own doors, and have trusted volunteers come into their homes, help unwrap their food and check in on how they’re doing.
The program is an important connection, and volunteers are able to update us on other services clients need.
“Clients may like our nutritionally balanced meals – but they love our volunteers. They call them ‘angels,’ ‘bright lights,’ and ‘godsends’ ” said Caroline Countryman, manager of Community Support Services for VON.
Meals on Wheels is a well recognized program that has evolved over the years. In Wellington County, it is delivered by VON. In the city of Guelph, the program is delivered by Red Cross.
Home and Community Support is critical in helping family caregivers as well as supporting seniors and persons with physical disabilities in their own homes.
However, there is a need to increase these services to cope with wait lists and the growing demand for services. When people do not get the care they need to prevent deteriorating social and health situations, they end up in the Emergency Department or are admitted into hospital where they stay unnecessarily because there are no supports for them at home.
The demand for community support continues to grow as the population ages. Caregivers can burn-out with the burdens placed upon them caring for a loved one.
October is Community Support Month. The following events are scheduled for Oct.:
– Oct. 15, Home Help and Maintenance Service Day;
– Oct. 18 to 22, Adult Day Program Week;
– Oct. 26, Attendant Services Day; and
– Oct. 28 – Home at Last Day.
