Orange City Council is continuing to provide the Meals on Wheels service to local elderly residents.
It’s one of a number of Orange City Council services which supports local elderly residents to help them continue to live in their own homes.
Orange City Council CEO, David Waddell said the service made the move to switch from volunteers to staff due to the COVID-19 crisis.
“Like all council services, we continue to comply with the recommendations of national and state health authorities as we manage Meals on Wheels,” David Waddell said. “In line with the latest recommendations concerning people aged over 70 staying in their homes, Meals on Wheels in Orange will now not use volunteers to deliver meals as over 90% of our meals volunteers are over 70 years. It’s crucial that we keep them safe.”
“Instead of volunteers we’re using Council staff members where other services have closed or have reduced activity, such as youth services, Occasional Care, theatre and library staff.
“This change comes at a time when we are increasing the number of meals provided to the community. We are receiving more requests from services that have closed their regular community lunches and from people who are isolating due to their age.
“In Orange, Meals on Wheels is not only providing meals, but toilet paper and fresh fruit and vegetables.
“We are also providing a shopping service for older people. People visiting the residents will receive a shopping list from the older person, carry out the shopping for them and then deliver it their home.
“If there are other older or otherwise vulnerable people who are isolated and need support with meals they should contact Orange City Council’s Choice at ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ office on 6393 8968.
“As well as Meals on Wheels we’re also providing a routine of phone calls to the older people who usually participate in our social outings. It’s about making sure they are safe and so we can respond to their needs.
