Boost to meals on wheels

When Stan Musson's wife became ill seven years ago, he started getting visits from Northern Illawarra Meals on Wheels volunteers.

After her death, he had to adapt to life alone, but cooking was something that he never mastered.

More than just tantalising his taste buds, Mr Musson's meals that come on wheels now give him a significant portion of the daily nutrients he needs.

"Traditionally there has been an assumption by family, friends, health care providers and even Meals on Wheels services themselves, that, if someone is receiving Meals on Wheels, their nutrition and meal requirements are being met," Northern Illawarra service manager Melinda Stuckey said.

"With traditional Meals on Wheels meals supplying approximately 30 per cent of daily nutritional requirements, this obviously wasn't the case," Ms Stuckey said.

"This project has supplied evidence to support the expansion of the service with a focus on a 'whole day' approach to a client's nutrition," she said.

"With the government's initiative of supporting independent living in the community, (the number of) frail, aged and disabled requiring support to remain in the own home has grown."

Ms Stuckey said social changes had resulted in the traditional support network for the aged and disabled - family members - often not being available, due to work and other commitments.

"This means that many clients rely on the main meal that is delivered, for their nutrition, and make do with tea, toast and biscuits for other meals," she said. "This can leave them malnourished or at risk of malnourishment.

"In conjunction with the client, the service now creates a meal plan that supports good nutrition, and therefore well-being and positive outcomes."

The new Meals on Wheels does more than make sure people like Mr Musson are not malnourished.

"I live alone, and having that daily contact with the friendly volunteers is really important to me and something I appreciate very much," he said.