Meals on Wheels substantially reduces risk of senior hospitalizations: report

Meals on Wheels substantially reduces risk of senior hospitalizations: report 
McKnights Home Care; by Adam Healy; 11/8/24 
Home-delivered nutritious foods programs can help keep seniors out of the hospital and reduce their feelings of social isolation, according to a new report by Meals on Wheels and home care technology firm WellSky. The report examined how Meals on Wheels programs helped seniors recover after being discharged from a hospital stay. Each meal delivery also involved a social determinants of health assessment, which allowed Meals on Wheels staff to engage with participants and gauge their wellness and safety. After 30 days of the program, the researchers observed an 85% decrease in hospitalizations among participants. Approximately 98% of meal recipients said that Meals on Wheels helped their recovery, and 61% said it lowered their feelings of social isolation.
Editor's note: While we know hospice patients experience a significant decline in appetite, the person's changing needs for nutrition continue. Pair this data with several recent articles we've posted regarding seniors' struggles compounded by living alone, isolation, and depression. We invite you to explore this educational/support video for caregivers/families of persons experiencing serious illness, palliative, or hospice care: Small Words - Big Meanings: EAT. Disclosure: Composing Life Out of Loss is a sponsor of our newsletter.