Resources
Senior Resource Connection’s Meals on Wheels program: 937-228-3663
Simply Ez Meals: 614-308-1844 or www.simplyez.net
Local grocery stores: Check with local food markets to see if they offer grocery delivery.
Goodwill Easter Seals Medical Equipment Loan Program: 937-528-6357 or www.Gesmv.org/medloan
Rebuilding Dayton: 937-223-4893 or www.rtdayton.org/index.php
As a homecare case manager, I often have the privilege to visit with people in their home most often following their discharge from a hospital or skilled nursing facility. Of times at this visit there will be a discussion about minimizing the risks for future admissions. This may include determining if there are gaps in care that can be met by linking the person with some community resources that would be best suited for the persons needs.
It is encouraging to continue to discover that so often there are services available to help the client. For example, some recent matches included connecting a person with home-delivered meals, help with home repairs and assistance in obtaining some needed durable medical equipment.
Locally the Senior Resource Connection administers the Meals on Wheels program. The cost is $5 per meal (beverage extra) with a small deposit required when enrolling in the program. Emergency meals can be provided to individuals with limited finances.
The Meals on Wheels program offers a practical service by providing nutritious meals coupled with a check-in when meals are delivered.
Another client-centered organization is the Rebuilding Together Dayton home modification program. This service provides home repairs at no cost for low-income elders or physically challenged homeowners living in Dayton and Montgomery County. The goal is to help elders remain in their home safely through utilizing the services of skilled volunteers to provide timely needed safety updates, including wheelchair ramps, grab bars and handrails. An application for services is required along with contact and volunteer information follows below.
Following the model of helping to maintain or restore home safety and success, it is encouraged for those requiring mobility and assistive aids to explore the Goodwill Easter Seals Medical Equipment Loan Program. This program provides a variety of durable medical equipment at no cost to the consumer. This includes, manual wheelchairs, crutches, canes and some equipment to make the bathroom safer. Equipment can be used as needed with the request that it be returned when no longer required. This is a particularly valuable resource, as while some durable medical equipment may be partially paid by health insurance, there is no coverage for equipment that is needed to improve bathroom safety.
Feel free to contact these organizations even if only to receive additional information. Each provides a valuable service focused on safety, comfort and successful independence.
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