No idea when normal delivery of senior meals will resume

[debodun]

As some of you might remember, I had a volunteer job of delivering meals-on-wheels. The last time I worked was March 19th. After that, the agency decided to forgo daily volunteer deliveries and start delivering 2 weeks worth of meals every other week by paid agency employees to minimize client contact. That was over 6 months ago.

About a month ago, I received an email saying that if I wanted to return to work I could, but it would necessitate a long drive to pick up the meals at the place were they are prepared which would add an extra 40 miles to the already 25 mile route. I responded that I would be happy to return to work only when the meals could be picked up at the local senior center as they were previously. I feel that requiring volunteers to travel that extra distance is just asking too much.

I guess they are still being picked up at the preparation place as I have not heard anything since then, only that they have gone to delivering a week of meals once a week now.

This may continue for a while now as COVID cases have taken an upswing lately in our area.

 

[fuzzybuddy]

debodon, maybe you could answer some questions about Meals On Wheels. When I came out of the hospital, I used the agency. They came twice a week. But I couldn't figure this out. I got two "meals" to eat a day. You've seen the meals- they aren't huge. It's not that you can stretch two to make three. Why didn't they have 3 per day? Why only two? The drivers were all very concerned people, and seemed eager to make sure I was OK. I know you didn't get paid a wage, but anything for gas, or something? I was a visiting nurse, and you do get caught in your clients lives, did you get caught up in your clients lives?

 

[debodun]

debodon, maybe you could answer some questions about Meals On Wheels. When I came out of the hospital, I used the agency. They came twice a week. But I couldn't figure this out. I got two "meals" to eat a day. You've seen the meals- they aren't huge. It's not that you can stretch two to make three. Why didn't they have 3 per day? Why only two?

That I don't know. When I worked, there was a meal delivery every weekday. Some of the clients only got one meal a day (a single), some signed up for 2 meals (a double). The single meals were delivered hot and meant for immediate consumption - the doubles had a hot meal and cold meal delivered - the cold meal meant to be re-heated and eaten later in the day. Some clients also ordered meals for the weekend which were two extra trays for the single clients and 4 extras for the double meal clients. These weekend meals were usually delivered on Thursdays. That's all I can explain.

I know you didn't get paid a wage, but anything for gas, or something?

Nope - we get nada. The only "perk" was a testimonial dinner for all county volunteers once a year, and I am sure they won't be having it this year. I also got to get free groceries that the local supermarket sent over and put on the giveaway table at the senior center; most bread and other baked goods, but it helped a lot with my food budget. Since the delivery schedule changed, I've actually had to buy bread.
[/QUOTE]

I was a visiting nurse, and you do get caught in your clients lives, did you get caught up in your clients lives?

I was told when I started that we were not allowed to socialize with clients other than when we were actually delivering meals. Some sure liked to talk a lot which delayed me on more than one occasion. I have also found clients in distress and had to call the agency and report them as well an an ambulance in three cases I can remember (once I walked in on a man having an epilectic seizure, another woman had fallen and I couldn't lift her, another time I found a woman with a gash in her leg). One time a man didn't come to the door. In that case, we are then supposed to do a "wellness" check, but when I opened the door, his dog jumped up and bit me in the arm. The agency has a list of client "contact" people they call if there is a reported incident. But it is sometimes difficult to not get emotionally involved with these people.