Meals on Wheels in Rowan County

Seniors in Rockwell NC

Chances are, you are or you know someone who is over the age of 65; in the United States alone, it is expected that more than 112 million seniors will be counted as part of our population by the year 2050. As the average age of the US increases, many challenges and difficulties arise that cause a need for services that enable each individual to live a healthy and productive life.

Humble Beginnings for a Huge Cause

Since 1954, the national organization Meals on Wheels America has recognized the debilitating effect of hunger on our seniors and (with just 11 determined volunteers) set out to make a difference in their community. While Meals on Wheels was originally begun in the 1930’s in Great Britain during World War II, it was adopted in our country less than 20 years later in Philadelphia, PA. The company’s focus has always been on eliminating hunger and isolation, two devastating factors that affect our elderly and can diminish quality of life and cause depression.

Over the years, Meals on Wheels America has grown and expanded their service across our country, living by their mission of support by providing a safety net for the seniors of America. Today’s services are more complex than simply providing a meal. In fact, today’s recipients are assured:

• a nutritious meal (either delivered to their home or offered in a community gathering);
• a friendly visit (for some, perhaps the only smile or face to face interaction they will receive is through their Meals on Wheels volunteer) and;
• a safety check (with each meal delivery, families can be reassured that the safety of their loved ones will be assessed diligently and dealt with appropriately).

National Need, Local Blessing

In Rowan County, we have been blessed since 1976 to have our very own chapter of Meals on Wheels, which is a non-profit organization and a member of the United Way agency. If you or a loved one are 65 or older, here are some of the requirements that determine who will receive assistance from the generous group of people who regularly volunteer.

• Participants must be homebound (typically, the service is for citizens 65 and older, but may also be available for those with physical disabilities that prevent them from leaving their home).
• They must live in Rowan County (with no restrictions as to which part of the county).
• Individuals are asked to contribute the full amount for the cost of the meal.
• If financially unable to meet the full cost, it is the goal of Meals on Wheels of Rowan County that no person will be denied a meal but instead will have their income assessed on a sliding scale status to determine what amount (if any) they are asked to contribute.

Currently, over 200 meals are provided 5 days per week via a team of volunteers who are assigned routes that ensure the meals are served hot and fresh. These volunteers, as well as generous donations, funding and endowments help to sustain this critical service to our community; those who have benefited from the Meals on Wheels service can attest to the heart behind what is being accomplished through this necessary organization.

TenderHearted Home Care (THHC) is a non-medical, in-home care agency located in Salisbury. THHC provides services to the elderly and disabled/handicapped through companion/sitters (non-hands-on care), Personal Care Attendants (limited physical assistance) and CNAs (extensive physical assistance). 

THHC can offer respite to family caregivers, extend and enhance safely living at home, or bring one-on-one personal care to the senior living in a group facility. 

While THHC cannot replace the love and support of family, our caregivers provide helpful services needed to brighten the day, lighten the workload and ensure peace of mind.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring a professional caregiver contact the caring professionals at TenderHearted Home Care today. Call us at (704) 612-4132.