Aging unit to conduct assessments for homebound meal program

HURLEY — The Aging Unit of Iron County will conduct an assessment of participants in its delivered meals program, according to interim executive director Leslie Kolesar, to ensure all participants are receiving the appropriate services.

Kolesar said the home-delivery program received federal funding, and one of the requirements of the funding is that each participant be assessed annually to ensure it is eligible for the program.

“The biggest guideline is the person needs to be essentially homebound, not able to leave the house under normal circumstances,” Kolesar said. “That means if they have a doctor’s appointment, or need go somewhere or be somewhere, they need assistance to get there — the assistance of another person — not just with driving, but getting in and out of the house.”

Kolesar said the program also requires there not be a spouse or caretaker who could prepare meals living in the house.

Those who don’t qualify for home deliveries are urged to use one of the five dining locations run by the aging unit. The sites are at the Hurley and Mercer senior centers, the Saxon and Springstead community buildings and a recently opened one in Iron Belt.

“We want to make sure people are receiving appropriate services,” Kolesar said. “For those that are truly homebound ...this program is just a gift. It is really hard for some of our elderly to cook, it’s very hard to cook for one person and all of meals meet one-third of the (recommended daily amounts of nutrients). It’s a substantial meal, many people ... have leftovers.

“However, if people aren’t eligible (for home delivery), we would like to see them coming to the congregate sites. We have lots of great things happening.”

Kolesar said the sites not only have various card games for entertainment, they offer a range of other activities, including tai chi, strong women meetings, blood-pressure checks and tax preparation help.

“With our congregate meal sites, it’s not just about getting a nutritious meal — it’s about socializing, it’s about having fun, it’s about having our seniors remain connected to the community.”

The meal sites also serve as a way to provide seniors in information, Kolesar said, such as on the county’s energy assistance program that helps with fuel bills and furnace maintenance.

She sought to reassure those who might be getting home deliveries and not qualify in the future, saying that she didn’t want anyone to feel they were getting services cut.

“We want to make sure people are having the appropriate services,” Kolesar said, “and there is so much more available here at our congregate meal sites than at home. Also, we have to follow the guidelines that are set forth by the federal government for the money.”

The assessments might also help those who are homebound connect with additional services beyond meal deliveries, she said.

In December, the county served 1,415 meals at its congregate sites, compared to 1,924 home deliveries.

Kolesar expects the assessments to take anywhere from 90 to 120 days, but added that could change.

More information on the meals program can be found by calling the aging unit at 715-561-2108.