New research shows that Meals on Wheels America are doing more than just delivering meals to seniors. They've partnered with West Health Institute to train their drivers to monitor senior’s health condition when delivering food. If the driver notices a difference in a senior’s behavior or health, they’re advised to alert a healthcare professional to take action.
The study, reported in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society, reports that the drivers submitted about 429 alerts for 189 clients over the 12-month study. The results show that the most frequent alerts were for changes in health (56%), personal safety (12%) and mobility (11%).
"By collaborating with Meals on Wheels America, we've developed a safe, cost-effective and scalable program to preemptively identify and address concerns that too often result in deterioration of a senior's medical condition,” said Dr. Zia Agha, the chief medical officer at West Health.
Agha and West Health are excited to expand this new program to Meals on Wheels across the country.
