Eligibility of Individuals

Who is Eligible?

• Anyone who is either 65+ years old or whose age is 18 to 65 and has one or more disabilities
• Is unable to provide balanced meals for themselves
• Needs the service

What is the Cost?

• Private Contributions - Approximately 10% of the more than 1,100 people enrolled are financially secure and make a contribution for the service. Many contribute $3.50 to $4.50 per meal. The amount requested is based on what each person feels they can afford.


• Free meals as a Texas Department on Aging and Disability (DADS) client (Title XX or Title XIX).


• Title XX Clients whose meals are partially funded by DADS under Title XX must:
  (1)Be 65 years old or older or be age 18 through age 64 and have a disability
  (2) Meet both monthly income and resource guidelines
  (3) Score at least 20 points on a Needs Assessment
  
• DADS criteria for Title XIX is the same criteria used for admission to a nursing home. The purpose of Title XIX funding is to provide a range of services in the home for those who do not want to enter a nursing home, if the home services can be provided for less than nursing home care would cost.

Community Support:

• Local contributions provide the needed matching funds for both Title XX and Tiltle XIX.

Meeting the Need:

• Because many elderly and those with disabilities find that the cost for housing, utilities and medical expenses is so great, there is seldom enough money left to purchase food for an entire month. We also find that multiple health problems make preparation of a nutritious meal impossible for most of our clients. Meals on Wheels targets the frail elderly and adults who have a disability. Our clients must also have difficulty preparing nutritious meals and need the service.


• Having a friendly volunteer deliver a hot meal five days a week insures that they have a well-balanced meal, with special diets available when needed. A home delivered meal helps combat hunger and prevent malnutrition. In addition, daily contact with the volunteers who deliver meals helps to prevent emotional and mental depression, which are synonymous with social isolation.
  
• Meals on Wheels also delivers meals into the two Dialysis Centers in Abilene. Many of those served at the Dialysis Centers live in the surrounding area and must come to Abilene three times a week for treatment. We are able to provide a low potassium diet for these people.