May, Older Americans Month, marks the kick-off of a campaign to strengthen the Kent County Meals-on-Wheels Program, a vital resource and link for homebound seniors.
Now in its 37th year, Kent County volunteers deliver two pre-prepared meals three times per week. Drivers not only bring the meals to the clients’ homes but also serve as a safety check and source of companionship.
Presently the program is able to fund 39 clients, including 11 in Chestertown, 13 in Rock Hall, and 15 in other parts of the county. Unfortunately, in spite of a continual increase in demand, severe funding cuts at the state and federal levels have resulted in a waiting list for those needing home-delivered meals.
“Meals-on-Wheels is taking a 10% cut this year, and we’re uncertain about the future of our nutrition programs,” according to Gary Gunther, Executive Director of Upper Shore Aging.
“These people really need Meals-on-Wheels,” according to Nancy Fernwalt, volunteer driver in Chestertown. “It’s not like they’re trying to take advantage of it. They are thoroughly screened,” she added.
The program helps the frail elderly remain in their own homes, where studies show they are healthiest and happiest. Most are at risk of being hospitalized or moved to a long-term setting which is much costlier. The program is a step in the “continuum of care” for seniors, who are increasingly encouraged to stay in a home setting due to health care costs.
The campaign is co-sponsored by the Kent County Commission on Aging and Upper Shore Aging, Inc. The Kent County Commission on Aging is a volunteer advisory group that advocates for the needs of local seniors and seeks to increase the knowledge and understanding of Kent County’s existing and anticipated services and needs for older adults.“Our seniors are often not able to advocate for themselves. And the elderly are all too often forgotten,” notes Bill Blake, Commission Chair.
Upper Shore Aging, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that is the designated Area Agency on Aging for Talbot, Caroline and Kent Counties, Maryland. Funded by federal, state, and local governments, the organization develops and manages a coordinated program of services that work together with a goal of helping elders to remain, and live well, in the community as long as possible.
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