Future of local Meals on Wheels program uncertain
October 13th, 2006The future of the Meals on Wheels program, provided by Lakeview Home, is uncertain.
Lakeview Home, for 2006, is under contract with Nutrition Services to provide Meals on Wheels for homebound clients to Gaylord, Arlington, Green Isle, and New Auburn. Volunteers deliver the meals.
Although the nursing home has provided Meals on Wheels for Gaylord residents for many years, the program was expanded in January to include other communities.
According to Lakeview Home administrator Mary Nell Zellner, Lakeview Home is reimbursed $3.78 per meal, 10¢ less than the facility’s actual cost of $3.88 per meal. “This is just considering labor, food and supplies,” Zellner explained.
“It is the nursing home board’s goal to keep it if we can break even,” she said. The new contract, which would take effect for 2007, must be re-negotiated by the end of October, she said.
“It is a great service to this community and the surrounding area. As with all elements of business, we should not lose money. We should at least cover costs and break even,” Zellner explained.
Julie Ahlbrecht, dietary manager at Lakeview Home, said that 800-1,000 meals are delivered per month through Meals on Wheels. The program is offered five days per week, and clients are also given the option to receive two frozen meals Friday to use for the weekend. Homebound clients are served a full meal, including bread, milk and dessert, she said.
Ahlbrecht and Zellner said that Lakeview Home provides “good quality” food for Meals on Wheels. “We use the nursing home standards of food for Meals on Wheels,” Ahlbrecht said. “They get the same thing that the residents in our three buildings are getting.”
Zellner said that the wages for Lakeview Home’s dietary staff is higher than average because of their years of experience. “We have a lot of seasoned staff here,” she said.
