Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

Am I eligible for Meals On Wheels?
To be eligible for our home delivered meals program, you must reside in Jefferson County, be home bound or have a disability that prevents you from preparing meals to meet your daily nutritional needs.

What kind of meal service do you provide?
We deliver a nutritious noon time meal five days a week excluding July 4th, Thanksgiving, or Christmas to your home. 

How do I apply for Meals On Wheels?
You, a family member, or a caregiver may apply by telephone. Call our office at (304) 725-1601 between 8 am and 1 pm Monday through Friday.  If you call after our normal business hours or on the weekend, leave a voicemail message with your name and telephone number, and one of our staff will call you back. We will ask you information such as name, address, phone number, health status, etc. Certain information is required, and all application information is kept confidential.

How long does it take to get on the meal service?
We continue to do our best to start service the next day; our goal is to ensure that no client waits longer than 3 days to begin service.

I have a medical condition that requires a special diet, can you accommodate me?
We provide three (3) types of diets:

1 – Regular “No added salt”
2 – Diabetic
3 – Mechanically softened diet (not pureed)

All entrees provide a wide selection of beef, chicken, pork, fish and pasta dishes.

What is the cost?
The suggested contribution is $5 a day.   However, no one is denied service for financial reasons. Please contact the Meals On Wheels of Jefferson County representative to discuss any special consideration you may have.

Do I have to live alone to receive Meals On Wheels?
We do focus our services on those individuals in Jefferson County who are isolated with little family or outside help.  However, we can accommodate individuals who live with someone but are alone during the day, or who aren’t getting much help from their roommates.

I have difficulty carrying things. Can the drivers bring my meals inside?
Our drivers are ready, willing and able to bring your meals into the kitchen, leave them on a table, or put them into your refrigerator, whichever is most helpful to you. Or you can accept them right at the door.

Can the drivers leave my meals if I have to go out?
No. Part of our mission is to see each of our clients for each delivery. We want to confirm that they are safe on a day to day basis. We also do not want to risk food borne illness by leaving meals out without knowing when they will be refrigerated or consumed. We can accommodate arrangements to leave meals with a neighbor, or to deliver an “extra” meal the previous day if you notify our office of a doctor’s appointment, etc.

Can I suspend service for a couple days without being cancelled from the program?
Yes. We request notice one day in advance to cancel or resume the meal service.  A person may suspend service without being cancelled from the program.   Extenuating circumstances include extended hospital or convalescent stays.

Is Meals On Wheels only for a limited time?
You can remain on the program as long as there are no changes in your eligibility and your account is not in the arrears.   Clients are regularly re-evaluated for continued eligibility.  Our goal is to ensure our clients can remain independent in their homes for as long as safely possible.