There are many types of services available to help meet the long-term care needs of an aging parent or family member living at home. You or other family members may be able to help with some personal and household tasks. But you might want to hire professionals to assist with others. The ideas and resources below can help you find the services you need.
Maybe you’re worried that person isn’t eating nutritious meals or is eating alone too often. You might suggest they share cooking duties with a friend or have a potluck dinner with a group of neighbors. Find out if their religious community or a local senior center serves meals. Is it hard for the person to get out? Plan to bring them a healthy meal a few times a week, ask a neighbor or friend to help out, or consider a meal delivery program.
Meal delivery programs bring healthy, nutritious meals to a person’s home on a daily or weekly basis. Many of these services offer options for special diets and can handle dietary restrictions. However, the delivery staff do not assist with making meals at home or feeding the person.
What to know about costs:
In some cases, a person must qualify for the service based on certain guidelines. These can include age, mobility, and economic need.
Medicare does not generally cover meal delivery services, although under certain circumstances, it will provide this benefit for a short time. Medicaid may pay for some meal delivery services if the person is eligible.
Some meal delivery services do not require payment. Others charge a fee or accept donations.
To find a meal delivery service in your area, contact Meals on Wheels America online or by calling 888-998-6325. Some local governments provide low- or no-cost meals to older adults. Call or check their websites for details. Your health care provider or local senior center may also be able to recommend a service.
Additionally, there are many subscription services that deliver ready-to-eat meals and meal kits. These can be arranged online and generally involve a regular weekly or monthly charge.
Source: National Institute of Aging, National Institute of Health
