Dawn Ford Seniors’ Situation Room – Meals on Wheels in Cornwall & Child Haven Fund Raiser FEB 27, 2015

CFN – The Meals on Wheels program, a service provided through the Outreach Program at the Glen Stor Dun Lodge, is a program available to anyone in the community who needs some support for their nutritional needs. I contacted Andree-Anne Morin, Meals on Wheels Coordinator of the program. She sent me some very informative data on it. The definition of the program is that ‘Meals on Wheels is a non-profit, volunteer-based service that delivers hot, nutritious meals to homebound citizens for Cornwall area who are unable to prepare meals for themselves’. The main target group for receiving this service are the elderly, persons with disabilities, people chronically or terminally ill as well as persons who are convalescing. The main purpose being to help keep clients stay in their homes longer, hopefully preventing a premature admission to a long term care facility such as a nursing home.

One of the things I like about it also is that the meals are delivered by trained volunteers who are able to provide a friendly interested meeting with the client. It is a time of personal contact which we all need and an opportunity for a safety and security check by someone who cares.

The financial support for this service which delivers over 30,000 meals per year comes from the City of Cornwall, the United Way and the Champlain Local Health Integration Network. It also receives financial and service support from individuals, service clubs, church groups, associations and corporations which allows the program to continue helping those in need.

A hot meal would consist of an entree, soup, tossed salad, gravy and dessert. Special diets are available as well as regular such as Diabetic, Renal, Diverticulitis, soft, minced and puree as well as consideration taken for allergies. The meals are planned around the Canada Food Guide for Healthy Eating and Health Canada’s Recommended Nutrient Intake. The meals are prepared fresh daily by the dietary staff at the Lodge. They are delivered to the client’s home between the hours of 11am. and 1pm. five days a week, Monday to Friday including statuary holidays. The cost is an unbelievable low $30 a week. Billing is once a month and payment can be either in cheque, money order or cash and if the client wishes, the payment can be given to the volunteer delivering the meal.

For more information on this program, a referral, or to become a volunteer please contact the Lodge at (613) 933-3384. ext. 4263.

An in house assessment will be completed . The following information is required: name, address, telephone number, date of birth, health card number, reason for the meals required, diet information, any special delivery instructions. Also two contacts are needed in case of emergency (one contact provided should be a designated Power of Attorney or someone in charge of finances . Required would be a name, address and phone number. A service agreement will also have to be signed which outlines the terms of the service. You can also go online at www.mealsonwheelscornwall.com.

Here is a wonderful picture of some of the volunteers:

I am beginning to realize that it is true that little stresses add up by the end of the day. Weird how it can affect a person. As it accumulates it starts to feel normal, the doctors say and we may not be aware our stress level may be up a few notches.

One day I was at a gathering of some people where there were a couple of children which is always a delight for me. A little guy, maybe 3 years old, was on a much used, trod on floor playing with his toys. I was taught in nurses training that the most germs are on the floor. He started to put some of the toys in his mouth. Yuk!! Then he was biting on the end of a little car where the wheels are. In a flash instant stress for me. What if the wheel came off in his mouth and he choked on it?? I was very uncomfortable watching that. Just when I was about to say something to the mother, another lady starting talking to her about it and thank heavens, she put the child on her lap with the toys out of his mouth for the remainder of our stay in that room. Then a sudden thought came into my head. I wondered if those kids had their measles shots?? Where did that come from??The news on TV, I guess.

Later a friend and I were in the bank in a line up to see the teller. Out of the blue she said to me, “Did you ever think when you’re in a bank there might be a robbery?” Actually, no, but now that you mention it..!! I started to look around at the people in the line ups. One guy looked a bit shifty maybe. Could happen, I guess. Maybe I’d just use the ATM and see my friend outside. ‘Cause you never know.

In a restaurant, we were just about to enjoy eating our coleslaw when a lady behind me said, “Mabel got sick after eating in the restaurant, you know. She thinks it was the coleslaw.” Thought maybe I’d have a salad instead .Just in case.

Just as we are leaving the restaurant, we saw a couple we knew. They told us that the lady had 4th. stage cancer and was starting therapy the next week. What a sad thing for her. My friend and I talked about it most of the way home.

Finally it was nice to be home and find something on TV to enjoy, maybe even laugh out loud a at something real funny. I could have used some ‘funny’ that evening. The news said there were strange drones flying over France in the night sky, a train derailment and 150 Christians had been kidnapped in Syria, mostly women and children. Enough to break your heart.

What else was on? Some crime shows, a music show with some lady trying to sing over the sound of the amplifiers and I had absolutely no idea what she was singing. I did think that her momma wouldn’t like her scanty outfit, though. I put on the hockey game and two guys were smashing each other’s brains out..or trying to and fell with bare heads on the ice. Don’t hurt Crosby!! Ah, it wasn’t him on the ice. I found a nature program hoping to see some cute chimps maybe. No such luck. Where is Betty White and Seinfeld when I need them??

Enough already!!I decided I would go and play with Tiger my cat and cuddle up with him and read a nice book. A furry little body next to you and the sound of purring has to be the best tranquilizer in the world, besides of course, as Charlie Brown would say,’ hugging a dog’.

Don’t forget that ‘211’ number for finding out in the community what help is available and the social services available for your needs. It is free and confidential 24/7 or go to ww.211ontario.ca.

Child Haven International will be hosting a 2015 Jubilee Fundraising Dinner with a Silent Auction and Bazaar on Friday March 20th. at the Ramada Inn, 805 Brookdale Ave in Cornwall. Entertainment will be offered by Roxanne Delage with Rod Robillard. It will be hosted by Bonnie and Fred Cappuccino , cofounders who were married 62 years ago and Dr. Nat Shah, cofounder and 2013 Humanitarian Award Winner and Cornwall Citizen of the Year. Tickets are $60 and may be obtained by contacting the Child Haven office in Maxville at 613-527-2829 or by e-mailing: fred@childhaven.ca or phoning Elaine MacDonald at 613-938-7763.

Child Haven International houses, educates and loves many orphaned children and some destitute elderly women in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Tibet. They also sponsor some children for education who are not living in one of the homes.

Here is lovely Tashi Yangzom holding, as Fred often says, ‘the most beautiful baby in the world’, Dhundup Sengay, a child in the Maitreya Foundation Home in New Delhi , India.

Here’s a cute joke:

Doctor:”I am not exactly sure what is wrong with you. It may be due to alcohol”.

Patient: “That’s ok. I will come back when you are sober.”

Have a good week, Dawn

More on Meals on Wheels in Cornwall Ontario

Meals on Wheels is a non-profit, volunteer-based support service that delivers hot, nutritious meals to home bound citizens of Cornwall who are unable to prepare meals for themselves.

The main purpose of the program is to help clients stay in their own homes longer and to prevent premature admission to Long Term Care Facilities.

The meals are delivered by trained volunteers who provide a personal contact, a safety and security check as well as an interested daily visitor.

The main target groups for receiving Meals on Wheels are:

• Elderly persons
• Persons with disabilities
• Persons who are chronically or terminally ill
• Persons who are convalescing

The program is offered to the residents of the City of Cornwall.

History of Meals on Wheels

In October 1969, several women from all religious denominations were invited to attend a meeting at St-Paul’s United Church to endeavor to form an organization to meet the nutritional needs of the elderly, disabled and convalescent in our community who were unable to prepare their own meals.

On Monday, April 6, 1970, Cornwall Meals on Wheels delivered its first meals to 6 recipients throughout the city. The meals were prepared by the Cornwall General Hospital. The program however, grew quickly and within a month a second outlet was opened at Hotel Dieu Hospital to provide meals to 6 more recipients. Meals were only 3.00 per week. Meals on Wheels was completely managed by volunteers.

In 1994, the Glen Stor Dun Lodge became the main outlet for meal preparation as well as recipient coordination. In 1999, for the first time in Meals on Wheels Cornwall’s history, a paid position was introduced. Funded by the Ministry of Health and the United Way, a volunteer coordinator was hired to manage a corps of over 300 volunteers.

Today, Meals on Wheels delivers to approximately 135 recipients throughout the city of Cornwall. Over 230 volunteers deliver meals on 7 different routes and recipients pay $30.00 per week for 5 meals that include an entree, a soup, salad, gravy and dessert. Meals are delivered Monday to Friday at lunchtime between 11:00 AM. and 1:00 PM.

Funders

The Meals on Wheels program is able to deliver over 30,000 meals yearly thanks to the financial support from the Champlain Local Health Integration Network, the United Way of SDG and the City of Cornwall.

Individual and Corporate Supporters

Meals on Wheels is fortunate to receive financial, in-kind and service support from individuals, service clubs, church groups, associations and corporations. Their support, donations and sponsorship allows us to continue helping those who need our service the most.

(photo of poppy fund donation or choice taxi)

How Meals on Wheels works?

Meals on Wheels operates in partnership with the Glen Stor Dun Lodge Outreach department. Meals are planned to provide food as recommended by Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating and Health Canada’s Recommended Nutrient Intake. The meals are prepared fresh each day by the dietary staff at the Glen Stor Dun Lodge.

What does the meal consist of?

• 1 main entrée (Please note that while some allergies, intolerances and dislikes will be considered, there will be only be one type of vegetable served daily)
• 1 soup (one type of soup is prepared daily. No substitutes on this item)
• 1 tossed salad (salad dressing is not included)
• 1 gravy
• 1 dessert (choice of a regular dessert, diabetic dessert or fruit dessert)

The types of diets available are:

• Regular
• Diabetic
• Renal
• Diverticulitis
• Soft
• Minced
• Pureed

Some sample hot meal menus:

Beef & barley soup Vegetable Rice Soup

Tossed Salad Tossed salad

Baked ham with pineapple Italian baked chicken

Scalloped potatoes mini red potatoes

Mashed turnip and carrots Peas & carrots

Carrot cake Fresh fruit salad

Delivery of the meals

Volunteers are the heart and hands of Cornwall Meals on Wheels. Two volunteers (one driver and one helper) deliver the meals to the client’s home. They take the time to chat and ensure that the client is feeling well and safe. Volunteers also have the responsibility to report any unusual or at-risk situation/concern to the Meals on Wheels staff. Delivery routes have a total of 19 meal deliveries, so visiting is limited to a few minutes for each recipient.

The meal is delivered to the client’s home between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. five days per week – Monday to Friday including all Statutory Holidays.

Recipients must be home in order to receive the meal. The volunteer must return meals to the Lodge if the client is not home, unless arrangements have been made with Meals on Wheels staff ahead of time. Food will not be left at the door. If the client is not home for the scheduled meal delivery, the Meals on Wheels staff will contact the client’s home, if no answer, they will then follow up with the names provided as emergency contacts. It is the responsibility of the client to be home for the meal delivery or cancel the meal ahead of time.

Meal Cancellation

While meals may be cancelled if the client is not home to receive it, the client must still pay for the meal. The only time a client will not be charged for a meal cancellation is if the person is admitted to the hospital or on vacation (in one week time frames). Meals must be cancelled before 9:00 a.m.

Cost

The cost of the service is $30.00 per week. Clients are billed once a month. Payment may be made by cheque, money order or cash. Payments may be given to volunteers delivering the meal.

How can I apply?

Anyone can make a referral to the Meals on Wheels program by calling (613) 933-3384 ext. 4263

An in-home assessment will be completed with all potential recipients of the program.

The following information will be required:

• Name
• Address
• Telephone number
• Date of birth
• Health card number
• Reason the meals are required
• Two contacts in case of emergency (one contact provided should be a designated Power of Attorney or someone in charge of finances in case of emergency) We will require a name, address and telephone number.
• Diet information
• Special delivery instructions

You will also be asked to sign a Service Agreement, outlining the terms of service.

Volunteering

Make Someone’s Day. Volunteer

Every year over 250 volunteers are needed to deliver meals to our recipients.

Volunteers are the life link to our recipients who are frequently unable to experience the world outside their homes. The bright smiles and friendly greetings received by delivery volunteers are as nourishing as the meals.

Facts about volunteering for Meals on Wheels

• Volunteers deliver in teams of two – a driver and a helper
• Training is provided
• Drivers use their own vehicles for meal delivery and mileage cost is reimbursed
• Meals are delivered Monday to Friday between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
• Volunteers deliver once a month or as often as they wish.
• Flexible schedules are available
• Seasonal volunteers are welcome
• Corporate groups and clubs are welcome

Benefits of volunteering

• Enhance someone’s quality of life
• Be connected to your community
• Help your neighbor
• Meet a variety of people
• Support independence
• Socialize with other volunteers
• Be appreciated by recipients
• Flexible schedules

Volunteer Eligibility

To be eligible to provide services to the Meals on Wheels program, volunteers must meet the following criteria to ensure quality of service to clients.

1. Interview and Orientation

Volunteers must be interviewed by Coordinator of the Meals on Wheels program to be assessed for eligibility and appropriateness to participate in the program, to receive orientation on the history and purpose of the Meals on Wheels program and the Glen Stor Dun Lodge and to be briefed as to their responsibilities upon acceptance into this program.

2. Application form

Volunteers must complete an application form.

3. Confidentiality Agreement

Volunteers must be willing to sign a confidentiality agreement at the time of registration into the Meals on Wheels program.

4. Valid Drivers Licence ( for drivers only)

Volunteer drivers must be prepared to produce a valid drivers liccence for use in the Province of Ontario.

5. Insurance Coverage

Volunteer drivers must have adequate motor vehicle liability insurance. As guideline, liability, bodily injury and property damage coverage of one million dollars may be considered as adequate.

6. Police Records check

Meals on Wheels requires all potential volunteers to obtain a police records check and vulnerable sector screen. Potential volunteers must agree to present themselves to the Cornwall Police Station for this procedure. All information obtained will be kept confidential.

Corporate Volunteering

Corperate or employer-supported volunteerism refers to a range of ways that corporations encourage and enable employees to volunteer in their communities.

The Corporate Volunteer program offers a unique opportunity for companies and individual employees to help deliver Meals on Wheels during the lunch hour.

How the program works:

And individual employee becomes a corporate delivery team leader and acts as liaison with Meals on Wheels. He or she coordinates 2 co-workers to deliver between 11: 00 a.m. and 1 p.m. to a specific route weekly or bi-weekly.

Benefits of Corporate Volunteerism

• Happier, more satisfied employees
• Employees can develop new skills
• Enhanced loyalty, satisfaction and retention
• Higher levels of team spirit and cohesion among employees
• Increased productivity
• Increased visibility and exposure
• Enhanced public awareness of the organization
• Improved relations with clients

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can be a volunteer?

Since meal delivery occurs over the noon hour and requires a vehicle and driver’s license, our volunteers tend to be adults, mostly retired who have a greater availability during the day. However, we welcome students requiring volunteers hours to deliver with experienced volunteers, as well as adults in the work force wanting to contribute on their days off. Volunteers should possess an interest in the elderly and a desire to provide assistance to those in need.

How can I become a Meals on Wheels volunteer?

You can apply to become a volunteer or receive more information by contacting the Meals on Wheels Coordinator at 613-933-3384 ext. 4263. You can also apply using the online application form, followed by an orientation with Coordinator.

What role do the volunteers play?

A Meals on Wheels volunteer provides more than just a hot, nutritious meal. They also provide a short, friendly visit as well as a security check to ensure that the recipient is safe and well. Our volunteers are the life link to our recipients who are frequently unable to experience the world outside their homes. The bright smiles and friendly greetings received by delivery volunteers are as nourishing as the meals.

How much time will it take?

Meals on Wheels is an ideal community service for which to offer your time since you are able to choose your level of commitment. All we require is a minimum of two hours, one day per month to deliver meals. However, opportunities exist for more frequent volunteer activity if you so choose, either by committing to more than one day a month, or by acting as a spare for last minute volunteer cancellations.

Where do the volunteers work?

Prior to meal delivery, volunteers always report to the Meals on Wheels room at the Glen Stor Dun Lodge at the specified time for their route. Once the meals have been brought to the Meals on Wheels room, volunteers then leave the Lodge and deliver the meals throughout the city of Cornwall, following the route listed on their clipboard. Volunteers complete their day once again at the Glen Stor Dun Lodge , by returning the equipment for their route and reporting any concerns regarding the clients.

To whom am I responsible?

Volunteers report directly to the Meals on Wheels Coordinator. If the Coordinator is not available, assistance is also available from the Outreach Services Secretary or the Supervisor of Outreach services.

Will I receive an initial orientation and formal training session?

New volunteers are required to attend an initial MOW orientation with the Meals on Wheels Coordinator. At this time, the program will be explained in full and necessary forms will be signed. Volunteers are also given a handbook, detailing all aspects pertaining to Meals on Wheels. The Coordinator or a designate will accompany you on your first delivery to explain the process and answer questions. Job specific training is provided for most assignments.

What kind of meal delivery equipment is provided?

Thermal bags, holding up to 19 meals, keep the meals hot for up to two hours. Three thermal bags are provided for each route, one containing hot meals, one for soup and gravy and the other for salad and dessert. A clipboard is provided for each of the seven routes, listing all of the clients on that route in the order in which the meals are to be delivered. On the clipboard as well, a city map and a sheet for recording any volunteer concerns or messages from the client is provided. A sign for your vehicle, as well as a smaller carrying bag is also provided.

What vehicles are used to deliver the meals?

Volunteers use their own cars to deliver meals. Any subcompact or larger vehicle will easily accommodate the delivery equipment, helper and driver. All volunteers deliver meals in teams of two – one driver and one helper. If you don’t have a car or prefer not to drive, you can volunteer as a helper. The helper assists with the directions for the driver, and delivers the meals at each stop. You and a friend can comprise a team. All drivers are required to have adequate insurance coverage in order to use their vehicle for meal delivery. Gas mileage is reimbursed.

Does Meals on Wheels allow for group or corporate volunteering?

Groups are welcome and encouraged to volunteer together. Corporate, civic or church groups can volunteer to deliver as often as they want, but we ask for a minimum of once per month. Groups usually like to own a route and deliver on that route on a specific day each week or month. Larger groups may like to own more than one route as each route only needs two volunteers – a driver and a helper.

What are the sources of funding for Meals on Wheels?

The Meals on Wheels program receives funding from the Local Health Integration Network (LHIN), the United Way of SDG, the City of Cornwall, as well as private donations.

What time are the meals delivered

All of the meals are delivered between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The departure time may vary slightly depending on the route. Route 7 leaves the kitchen at 11:00 a.m., routes 1, 2, and 3 leave the Meals on Wheels room at 11:15 and routes 4,5,and 6 leave at 11:30.

What if I travel often or go away every winter

Meals on Wheels welcomes seasonal volunteers, even if you can commit only for part of the year. All we require is that you inform us will in advance of the final day you will deliver and the date you are expecting to return.