Research

Information presented in these reports were sourced through independent research and is owned by the City of Parramatta Council’s Community Care team.

This material is based on information relevant to our service that we consider reliable, but not representative of the broader social services sector.

No part of this material or any research report may be:

(i) copied, photocopied or duplicated in any form by any means or
(ii) redistributed without the prior written consent of City of Parramatta Council.

Contact Community Care Service on (02) 9806 5121 or email communitycareadmin@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au to obtain permissions.

To understand the impact the program has had on the individual’s that receive support, via deep understanding of the following:

1. The service support experience – what supports have been received and how well aligned are the needs of the recipient?
2. How individual recipients, family members, staff and volunteers have benefitted from support provision – exploring both emotional and rational anecdotes, experiences and evidence.
3. Positive outcomes achieved because of participation for recipients, family members, staff and volunteers – exploring physical, mental, behavioural and social outcomes.
4. Explore the impact achieved on the use of other services (e.g. increasing social connection at meal times delaying move to a nursing home, or the need for a higher level of support in home).
5. Demonstrate the benefits of working from a Person-Centred and Wellness Approach and from a Social Role Valorisation (SRV) and the good things in life framework.

This paper was commissioned by Parramatta Council to explore ways in which individuals who experience difficulty in eating, feeding and utilising existing meal on wheels programs may be better supported.

The impetus for the paper has come from observations that many people who use Meals-on-Wheels programs do not eat the meals that are provided to them. The current and funding does not allow for extra support to be provided to people to ensure they are actually eating their meals and receiving appropriate nutrition.

The NSW Department of Human Services, Ageing Disability & Home Care have provided Parramatta Council with funding to trial ways of supporting people who currently use the Meals-on-Wheels program but are experiencing difficulties with eating, feeding and utilising the program due to dementia, disability or illness. The aim of this paper is to assist in gaining a better understanding of the issues and to explore models of support that could be implemented as part of the Meals-on-Wheels program or a social support program to better meet the needs of such vulnerable people.

The paper will initially explore the issues and possible solutions to mealtime problems for vulnerable people. Service principles, practices and models that address the issues are explored. The paper concludes with options to be considered in changing the current Meals-on-Wheels programs at Parramatta Council.