Meals-on-Wheels Offers Caregiver Services to Local Community

Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson & Ellis Counties is now qualified through the North Central Texas Area Agency on Aging (NCTAAA) to provide services and resources for caregivers. This is to provide support, resources, and education to family members that are caring for an elderly loved one.

Meals-on-Wheels began this assistance recently, alongside the other services it provides to the community. These include home-delivered meals, congregate meals to participating senior centers, nutritional supplements such as Ensure, transportation services for medical appointments, and information, referral and assistance.

“We are excited about offering additional resources to families of those we serve,” said Tracy Moore, client services director. “This will help us better address the needs of the elderly homebound in our community.”

Nationwide, over 50 million people choose to care for their loved ones themselves, versus placing them in a nursing or care facility which is very expensive. This is evident in the growing number of referrals that Meals-on-Wheels has received in the last 6 months.

“Just last month, we have received over 40 referrals for those who need in-home assistance,” added Moore. “And, we only look to see that number increase.”

With the assistance NCTAAA and partnership with Ms. Zanda Hilger of Z-Quest Training and Consulting, Meals-on-Wheels will provide information about local health and social service programs along with coordination to support independent living. In addition, education and training will be offered through classes, monthly newsletters, and access to online programs. Meals-on-Wheels can also arrange for respite care and counseling, if needed.

For more information about Meals-on-Wheels, please call 817-558-2840, 972-351-9943 or email at info@mowjec.org. To contact the North Central Texas Area Agency on Aging, call 1-800-272-3921.