Many local seniors’ lives have been transformed thanks to a vital partnership between Arnprior-Braeside-McNab Seniors at Home and The Grove Home to deliver the fee-based Meals on Wheels Program.

The Meals on Wheels Program is essential support for clients that helps them maintain independence and remain in their homes.

Lynn Maier has volunteered with the Meals on Wheels Program since 2019.

“My mother in northern Ontario received in-home care and support, which allowed her to stay in her home,” said Lynn, who does two routes a week. “I wanted to help in that way here because it’s so important. That one meal a day makes such a big difference. The clients are always so grateful.”

Helping seniors remain at home

For Arnprior-Braeside-McNab Seniors at Home (ABMSAH), helping seniors remain in their own homes is the top priority. But for many seniors, cooking nutritious meals can be a laborious task. For those without local family and friends able to provide consistent support, this might mean the difference between continuing to live at home and moving to a retirement or long-term care home.

The Meals on Wheels Program operated by ABMSAH is one answer to this challenge. Through the Program, hot nutritious meals (consisting of soup, crackers, hot main course, dinner roll and dessert) are cooked fresh daily at The Grove Home and delivered to the clients by dedicated volunteers.

The ideal partnership

The genesis of this partnership traces back to a commitment to provide high-quality meals tailored to the specific dietary needs of seniors. After careful consideration and evaluation, The Grove Home emerged as the ideal partner for the Program.

“We looked at different restaurants and catering services throughout town, and we felt very strongly that The Grove Home would be a better fit,” shared Dennis Harrington, Executive Director of Seniors at Home. “The Grove Home offers quality meals and were already so well-versed in tailoring options that meet our clients’ health needs such meals that are renal friendly, low salt, heart healthy, or diabetic-friendly.”

The Grove Home Food Services Team prepares an appetizing menu of options on a three-week schedule. Clients can decide in advance which days they would like a meal delivery, based on their preferences. Volunteer drivers arrive at The Grove Home and pack the meals into coolers for delivery to each client along their assigned route.

Collin Monette and Meals on Wheels volunteer

“I love working with the volunteers and knowing that what I’m doing is helping to keep people in their own homes,” shared Collin Monette, Cook at the Grove Home.

The impact of the Meals on Wheels Program extends beyond the nutritional aspect. For many clients, daily visits from volunteers serve as a lifeline, offering companionship and a sense of connection to the outside world.

“I’d say about 75% of these clients don’t see anybody else during the day,” said Nancy Peck, Program Director at ABMSAH. “For so many of our clients, it makes their day just having a chat with that person while they set up the meal. It’s important to them – it’s like they are getting fed both physically and emotionally.”

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