Portland, OR | Meals on Wheels People (MOWP) has been enriching the lives of older adults in Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA by assisting them in maintaining independence and connection to their community for over 50 years. MOWP provides its community's most vulnerable older adults with nutritious food, human connection and social support. While congregate dining and other in-person activities were suspended during the pandemic, MOWP continued routine meal delivery services and implemented contactless visiting to combat the increased social isolation experienced by older adults. During routine meal delivery, MOWP staff and volunteers identified another recurring need in addition to addressing social isolation—home maintenance. Many of the community's older adults live in apartments or old houses in disrepair, with trip hazards, low lighting and yard overgrowth, resulting in decreased safety and security. Some older adults experience sensory deficits, mobility issues and memory challenges, which make it difficult to address these much-needed repairs. For many, a budget for these repairs is not realistic or feasible and some must choose between paying rent, buying food or purchasing medications. MOWP developed the Safe Homes for Seniors Project to provide engagement and handyman assistance around the house to address these urgent needs. MOWP matches skilled volunteers with older adults who share similar backgrounds and interests to conduct minor home repairs while providing ongoing conversation and connection. To recruit skilled volunteers from diverse backgrounds, MOWP partners with local Rotary Clubs, the Urban League, Centro Cultural, and other organizations, such as gardening clubs, veteran’s groups and cultural organizations. Volunteers conduct minor repairs that make daily living safer for older adults and increase quality of life, including but not limited to, securing area rugs, replacing lightbulbs or smoke detector batteries and assembling shower chairs. In addition to these in-home repairs, volunteers also assist with regular lawn mowing, trimming and yard debris removal. An additional component of the Safe Homes for Seniors Project is the development and provision of older adult-friendly disaster supply kits for older adults who are particularly vulnerable when catastrophes hit—many have little or no family or other resources to depend on in times of crisis. These kits have been designed especially for older adults and homebound individuals who may have difficulty lifting or quickly accessing more traditional kits that tend to be large and heavy backpacks. The MOWP kits are compact and accessible cinch-sacks, wheeled containers that can be stored under a bed or in a small closet for easy access and use.
Meals on Wheels People (MOWP) has been enriching the lives of older adults in Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA by assisting them in maintaining independence and connection to their community for over 50 years. MOWP provides its community's most vulnerable older adults with nutritious food, human connection and social support. While congregate dining and other in-person activities were suspended during the pandemic, MOWP continued routine meal delivery services and implemented contactless visiting to combat the increased social isolation experienced by older adults. During routine meal delivery, MOWP staff and volunteers identified another recurring need in addition to addressing social isolation—home maintenance. Many of the community's older adults live in apartments or old houses in disrepair, with trip hazards, low lighting and yard overgrowth, resulting in decreased safety and security. Some older adults experience sensory deficits, mobility issues and memory challenges, which make it difficult to address these much-needed repairs. For many, a budget for these repairs is not realistic or feasible and some must choose between paying rent, buying food or purchasing medications. MOWP developed the Safe Homes for Seniors Project to provide engagement and handyman assistance around the house to address these urgent needs. MOWP matches skilled volunteers with older adults who share similar backgrounds and interests to conduct minor home repairs while providing ongoing conversation and connection. To recruit skilled volunteers from diverse backgrounds, MOWP partners with local Rotary Clubs, the Urban League, Centro Cultural, and other organizations, such as gardening clubs, veteran’s groups and cultural organizations. Volunteers conduct minor repairs that make daily living safer for older adults and increase quality of life, including but not limited to, securing area rugs, replacing lightbulbs or smoke detector batteries and assembling shower chairs. In addition to these in-home repairs, volunteers also assist with regular lawn mowing, trimming and yard debris removal. An additional component of the Safe Homes for Seniors Project is the development and provision of older adult-friendly disaster supply kits for older adults who are particularly vulnerable when catastrophes hit—many have little or no family or other resources to depend on in times of crisis. These kits have been designed especially for older adults and homebound individuals who may have difficulty lifting or quickly accessing more traditional kits that tend to be large and heavy backpacks. The MOWP kits are compact and accessible cinch-sacks, wheeled containers that can be stored under a bed or in a small closet for easy access and use.
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