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How does loneliness impact people over 65?

Loneliness is a common problem and it can have serious consequences for both physical and mental health in people over 65. Studies have shown that loneliness is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality, as well as a higher risk of developing conditions such as dementia and depression.

There are several reasons why elderly people may feel lonely. For many, the loss of a spouse or close friends can be a major cause of loneliness. Physical mobility issues and a lack of access to transportation can also make it difficult for older people to socialize and engage with others.

So, what can be done to help elderly people overcome loneliness and maintain a sense of connection and purpose? Here are a few suggestions:

  1. Encourage socialization: Encourage the elderly person to participate in social activities, such as joining a club or attending community events. This can help them meet new people and build relationships. The Meals on Wheels Central Coast Community Restaurant is a great way to connect with other people over a meal and some fun. To find out more, check out the Community Restaurant page on our website!
  2. Promote independence: Help the elderly person maintain as much independence as possible. This may involve assisting with tasks such as grocery shopping or running errands, but it’s important to also encourage them to do things on their own whenever possible. This is a core value of Meals on Wheels Central Coast!  We want all of our clients to remain as  independent as possible, which is why our range of meals enables them to do just that. Select from great options like Butter Chicken, Lamb Roast, Rissoles and so much more! Check out our full menu here.
  3. Use technology: Technology can be a great way for elderly people to stay connected with others, even if they are unable to leave the house. Consider setting them up with a smartphone or tablet and helping them use social media or video chat to stay in touch with loved ones. We love connecting through technology with our clients and volunteers and feel it’s a valuable way to keep in touch. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to connect with us!
  4. Offer companionship: If the elderly person lives alone, consider spending time with them on a regular basis. This could be as simple as stopping by for a visit or going for a walk together. This is a core part of what sets Meals one Wheels Central Coast apart from many other food delivery services. Our volunteers don’t just drop the delivery and run, often they will come inside, have a little chat, even unload the order into the freezer for you. By doing it this way, we also act as a connection point for family, friends or carers. Our volunteers enable us to do what we do, if you would like to know more about volunteering with us, then click here!
  5. Seek professional help: If the elderly person is struggling with loneliness and is unable to find ways to connect with others, it may be helpful to seek the help of a mental health professional. A therapist can help the person identify the underlying causes of their loneliness and develop strategies for overcoming it. There are a range of services we recommend reaching out to if you or a loved one is in need of professional help, you might find some of these links helpful.

Loneliness is a serious issue for many elderly people, but it’s important to remember that there are steps that can be taken to help them overcome it. Encouraging socialization, promoting independence, using technology, offering companionship, and seeking professional help can all be effective ways to help elderly people maintain a sense of connection and purpose.

To find out more about how Meals on Wheels Central Coast can help you find independence through nutritional meals and social activities, reach out to us here.


What are the benefits of Meals on Wheels?

Meals on Wheels is a vital service that delivers nutritious meals to seniors and individuals with disabilities who are unable to shop or prepare meals for themselves. This service not only helps to meet the nutritional needs of these individuals, but it also provides numerous other benefits that greatly improve their quality of life.

Connection through the power of a meal…

One of the primary benefits of Meals on Wheels is the social interaction that it provides. Many seniors and individuals with disabilities can become isolated and lonely, especially if they are unable to leave their homes due to physical limitations. The daily visit from a Meals on Wheels volunteer not only brings nutritional and delicious meals, but it also brings a friendly face and a chance for conversation. This can help to reduce feelings of loneliness and improve mental health.

We also offer Social Support in the form of Assisted Shopping and Community Restaurants. Each of these services is designed to empower you to keep living an active, social and independent life.

Balance is important…

In addition to the social interaction, Meals on Wheels helps to ensure that seniors and individuals with disabilities receive proper nutrition. A balanced diet is important for maintaining good health at any age, but it is especially important for seniors who may have specific dietary needs or challenges with chewing and swallowing. Meals on Wheels provides nutritionally balanced meals that are tailored to meet the needs of each individual, and they can also accommodate special dietary requirements such as low-salt or pureed food.

View our Menu

A sense of security…

Meals on Wheels also provides a sense of security and peace of mind for both the individuals receiving the meals and their loved ones. For seniors and individuals with disabilities who live alone, knowing that someone is checking in on them and bringing them a hot meal can provide a sense of security and comfort. For their loved ones, knowing that their loved ones are receiving proper nutrition and social interaction can bring peace of mind.

Become a Volunteer today!

Keeping your independence…

Finally, Meals on Wheels helps seniors and individuals with disabilities to maintain their independence. By providing meals and the daily check-in, Meals on Wheels enables these individuals to continue living in their own homes rather than having to move to a nursing home or assisted living facility. This not only helps to preserve their independence, but it can also be more cost-effective than other options.

Overall, Meals on Wheels is an invaluable service that provides numerous benefits to seniors and individuals with disabilities. It helps to meet their nutritional needs, provides social interaction and a sense of security, and helps to preserve their independence. If you know someone who could benefit from Meals on Wheels, or if you are interested in volunteering or supporting this service, please contact us by on 02 4357 8444 or click here


Congratulations to Gail – Volunteer of the Year in the Central Coast Council Awards.

Congratulations to Gail Ransley who was co-winner of the Volunteer of the Year Award in the Central Coast Council Australia Day Awards.
 
Gail has been a volunteer for Meals on Wheels Central Coast for 30 years, performing a number of roles during this time. Gail not only delivers meals to clients but also volunteered as a member of our Board for 20 years where she held the position of Chairperson for 3 years. She also previously held the positions of Treasurer and Secretary.
 
Over 30 years, Gail has been delivering nutritious meals to our vulnerable clients while providing them social interaction and a welfare check, which has become even more important during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
 
Gail has a real focus on keeping the senior and vulnerable members of our community in their own homes where they feel safe and comfortable.
 
Thank you Gail for all that you’ve done for us, and for our community.

2021 – A Review

2021 has been a year of challenges, but through this, we have been able to assist so many people in our community. Here’s a snapshot of the past year. Have a happy and safe New Year’s Eve everyone!


Celebrating our Volunteers

Our volunteers are the lifeblood of our organisation, and without them, we couldn’t help so many members of our community. As we couldn’t hold a Christmas Party for our volunteers this year, we sent out gift boxes, with some volunteers also receiving Service Awards. Thanks to each and every one of our volunteers for all that you do!


Meals on Wheels Central Coast Christmas Message

Our team had a lot of fun putting the Christmas message together this year.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!


Radio Interview with ABC Central Coast

Thank you to ABC Central Coast for having us on to chat with Scott Levi this morning about our annual Christmas incentive of providing a free Christmas meal to our clients. This gesture brings much pleasure to our staff and volunteers, as well of course to clients. You can listen to the interview at 3:19:03 – https://www.abc.net.au/…/breakfast/breakfast/13656220

 

 

 


Free Christmas Meal for all Meals on Wheels Central Coast Clients

One Direct Connect trading as Meals on Wheels Central Coast is once again spreading Christmas cheer this year, gifting a Christmas meal to all their clients.

CEO of Meals on Wheels Central Coast, Dennis Taylor, is thrilled to be able to make this special contribution to the community.

“Christmas time can be hard for a lot of people, both socially and financially,” Mr Taylor said.

“This gift of a meal will assist those who would not otherwise have been able to enjoy a special Christmas dinner this year.

“Our wonderful volunteers also perform wellness checks at every meal delivery, and our clients will be reassured that they are thought of and cared for around Christmas time” Mr Taylor said.

The Christmas Roast Turkey meals will be delivered to over 750 Meals on Wheels Central Coast clients during the weeks leading up to Christmas. Clients will be able to enjoy it when they choose and can place it in the freezer for easy reheating come Christmas Day.

Client Service Officer, Lyn, with free Christmas meal


ACSA Aged Care Awards Finalist

We are proud to have been a Finalist in the Innovation in Service or Design category at the ACSA Aged Care Awards this year.


One Direct Connect Limited Welcomes New Directors

One Direct Connect trading as Meals on Wheels Central Coast is pleased to announce the appointment of three new Directors to its Board of Governance following their recent AGM.

Joining the Board are Megan Rowe, Jackie Connor, and Tony Jose.

The new Directors bring with them a variety of skills that will all contribute to the overall strategic direction of One Direct Connect.

Board Chair, Jordan Bryant, said the mix of the new board members expertise would be an ongoing asset for One Direct Connect Limited.

“Jackie, Megan, and Tony’s professional experience will be of immense value in carrying our organisation into the future,” Mr Bryant said.

Jackie Connor currently holds a corporate role as an experienced Procurement Category Manager focusing on risk and governance, stakeholder engagement, supplier relationship management, strategic sourcing, negotiation and contact management.

Megan Rowe is a Human Resources executive with over 20 years experience in the retail, manufacturing, financial services, and Government sectors. She specialises in leading cultural transformations, strategic workforce planning and supporting leaders to enable business success through their people.

Tony Jose brings with him extensive experience in strategic business management, financial management, investment banking, IT systems, human resources, risk, and governance. He has 28 years of working experience in CEO/CFO roles that includes various listed companies, the not-for-profit sector, and a management consulting firm. He has also served as Director/Chair/Treasurer on boards of Australian companies and its committees, both in the for-profit and the not-for profit sectors.

The One Direct Connect Board is made up of:

Jordan Bryant – Chair
Brian Freeman – Vice Chair and Treasurer
Ray Mainwaring – Director
Stephanie Blower – Director
Janelle Reid – Director
Megan Rowe – Director
Jackie Connor – Director
Tony Jose – Director
Gail Ransley – Non Sitting Board Secretary

Outgoing Directors Ron Thomsen, Ted Coupe and Raea Khan will continue to support One Direct Connect by means of consultancy work carried out through One Direct Advisory, an advisory firm with an underlying philanthropic purpose for the benefit of Meals on Wheels Central Coast clients.

Meals on Wheels Central Coast cater to over 800 clients on the Central Coast, delivering around 14,000 meals per month to the elderly and People with Disability.

One Direct Connect Board of Governance 2021-2022


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