Bolinsky Volunteers with Meals on Wheels

NEWTOWN- Serving as a volunteer driver, State Rep. Mitch Bolinsky (R-106 Newtown) participated in the National March for Meals, Meals on Wheels program this week through the New Opportunities Inc.

The 12th Annual March for Meals campaign gives area residents an opportunity to support their senior neighbors through a variety of efforts that make their communities stronger and our neighbors’ healthier.

Bolinsky said, “I thank New Opportunities for all they do in the community with the “Meals on Wheels” program. It was also very impressive and heart-warming to experience the special way they build and nurture relationships with so many seniors in-need. It was eye-opening to see their efforts to go beyond providing for clients’ their nutritional well being. These folks really go out of their way to play a critical relationship role in the lives of each and every client and, in doing so, also assure that these senior-clients are successfully getting along in self-sufficiency, with dignity and in good health, as well as being properly nourished. I look forward to working with them again and advocating for this important vital community service.”

Meals On Wheels home-delivers two meals a day up to seven days a week to seniors, age 60 and above, who live within the Greater Waterbury and Greater Danbury areas. Those under 60 years of age with special conditions may also qualify. The program has the goal to keep seniors healthy and living in their own homes. Meals On Wheels also provides a day’s food for an emergency such as bad weather when delivery might be impossible.

One of the other benefits to the Meals On Wheels program is the volunteer drivers who deliver the food to their customers are committed to reducing the isolation experienced by so many elderly. Frequently the driver may be the only person providing human contact and a safety net, particularly to those seniors who live alone. Often the driver can accommodate the time or manner of delivery so that it works best with the recipient’s lifestyle.

The Director of New Opportunities, Senior Nutrition Services Lisa LaBonte said, “The Meals on Wheels program, is a key element in the home and community based network of care. Providing one or two meals a day to an elderly person in their home helps ensure that they are not only eating, but eating food that meets the nutritional standards necessary to keep them healthy and active. Home delivered meals also provide a daily social contact for the elderly person, something that is essential to older adults living alone in the community. This simple and very inexpensive service can help prevent or delay the need for more costly services such as hospitalizations and nursing home care.

Reimbursement rates for services offered under the CT Home Care Program for the Elders, including Meals on Wheels, have not been increased since 2007. While the price of gas and food has continued to rise making it extremely difficult for meal providers to operate. As it stands now, elderly nutrition providers are losing on average $1.23 for each two pack of meals they deliver. One major provider has already discontinued providing meals and others are questioning their ability to continue.

Ms. LaBonte told Rep. Bolinsky about pending legislation on rate reimbursement at the State Capitol which would help local Meals on Wheels programs and talked about fair and accurate audits under the Medicaid Program are performed fairly and accurately. Under the current audit system a minor meal errors can cost a program tens of thousands of dollars.

New Opportunities mission is to improve the quality of life for economically disadvantaged individuals by providing the necessary resources to increase their standard of living, foster self-improvement, and maximize self-empowerment. New Opportunities Inc. is the community action agency that serves Newtown and 29 other surrounding towns. They offer a variety of social service programs designed to eliminate poverty and assist people in need.

For more information call Elder Services at (203) 757-7738 in Greater Waterbury, (203) 743-5418 in Greater Danbury, or email Nutrition@NewOpportunitiesInc.org.