Dear Jean,

From what I can tell, my mom doesn’t eat well. She also doesn’t get out much. I heard there is a program with the county for meals. Please tell me more.

Answer:

You are right. There is really good food available for seniors. Nutrition is so important in maintaining physical health. In addition, engaging with others is key to maintaining our mental health.

First an explanation, then a little advice.

There are two programs available in counties throughout Wisconsin.

The first program is Congregate Meals. As you might guess by the name, folks come together at locations throughout your community, where they are served ready-to-eat meals and fellowship. This isn’t just about having a good, nutritious meal (which they do), but it is also an opportunity for folks to get out of the house and interact and smile with others. Isolation causes loneliness. This will quickly become something to look forward to.

The second program is Home Delivered Meals (think “meals-on-wheels”). This program is for folks who are 60-years and older, and who are homebound. They are unable to get food from the store and can’t cook healthy meals for themselves. The first preference is to go to the congregate meal sites, but not all people are able to do that because of frailty, illness or
disability. Contact the numbers listed below for the county you live in. They are very helpful, and it is easy.

The meal programs do require that you contact them the day before to make your reservation – otherwise, how do they know to have food prepared for you? The programs are at no cost, although voluntary contributions are encouraged.

Now, for some advice. The hardest part is walking through the door the first time. If you really want to help your mom or dad, sign up with them and go a time or two. Yes, you can have a meal, too. After that, I promise the volunteers and fellow diners will make them feel welcome. You might even hear that famous refrain: “I wish I had done this a long time ago. Look at what I
was missing out on.”

For those who enjoy helping others, the meal programs always need more volunteers – and you still get the meals and the fun!

Check with your local county for more in-depth information.

— In Outagamie County, call the Aging and Resource Center (ADRC) at 920-832-5178, adrc@outagamie.org. There are six meal sites in Appleton, Kaukauna, Seymour, and Hortonville.

— In Winnebago County, call Advocap at 920-725-2791, ADVOCAP.org. Their meal sites are in Oshkosh, Menasha, Omro, Winneconne and Pickett.

— In Calumet County, call Calumet County ADRC at 920-849-1451. There are meal sites in Brillion, Chilton, Hilbert and Stockbridge.

— If you are in another county, they have meals too. Call your county office for more details.

— Jean Long Manteufel writes a column each month about life changes associated with aging. Send your questions to Jean@TransitionsWithJean.com or call 920-734-3260.