Concerns over meals on wheels transition

The Federal Government appointed Community Accessability to provide delivered meals from July 18, and Calvary Community Care to provide home modifications, access and support at home, and social connection programs from July 1.

Families of elderly meal delivery recipients say they will receive frozen packaged meals once a week rather than daily delivery of hot meals.

The change has raised a number of concerns, including the loss of daily social contact and the capacity of elderly recipients to store the meals and reheat them.

The daughter of one recipient, who did not want to be named, said the same local kitchen that provided the meals previously could still be used through an alternate provider.

Mi Kitchen, which operates in Shepparton, confirmed meals on wheels clients could contact it direct or through another provider to access the same style meals but also delivered frozen.

“It is the same sort of food and similar menus, and we are hoping to open it up to a broader client base,” owner Peter McPhillamy said.

“Everyone has the clients’ best interests at heart.”

Greater Shepparton City Council director community Louise Mitchell said council was working with Community Accessability on the transition process, and Community Accessability had communicated to clients its new service delivery arrangements.

“Council and Community Accessability have provided personalised support to clients and families in recent weeks and months, and followed up with visits and phone calls where needed to make sure no-one who wants to continue receiving delivered meals misses out,” she said.

Council has a dedicated transition manager in place who can continue to provide information and support to clients throughout the transition. They can be contacted on 5832 9785 or via email at council@shepparton.vic.gov.au. Community Accessability can be contacted on 1300 704 530.