Senior Services of King County
Senior Services is the largest non-profit agency serving older people in Washington. Established in 1967, the agency serves over 50,000 seniors and their families each year through an integrated system of quality programs and services.
Their Vision
A community where older adults and those who love them are empowered to choose and develop ever more joyful, healthful and meaningful lives.
Their Mission
Promote the emotional, social, and physical well being of older adults.
Recently, I met three women who are driving the vital workings of Senior Services throughout King County. Ms. Margaret Strachan, Vice President; Ms. Judy Ruehlmann, Program Manager for Meals on Wheels; and Ms. Susan Compton, Director of Community Relations.
I learned more about Senior Services and the Meals on Wheels program in particular. We talked about the importance of these services being available to seniors on personal, social, and political levels. The consequences of not generously supporting the senior community (of which we are all hopefully headed) are far-reaching. Volunteers play an invaluable role in keeping these programs alive and as a non-profit the organization relies heavily on financial support from the community to continue to serve the community.
At the Senior Services website there are many links to resources and areas of interest to the senior community. You can request their smart-looking new brochure that is full of information by calling the numbers provided below.
One important program that Senior Services offers is the Meals on Wheels program. Meals on Wheels provides frozen home- delivered meals for older persons who are unable to leave their home to shop or prepare nutritious meals. The meals are prepared with the special dietary needs of seniors in mind and are adaptable to a variety of special diets. Complete nutritional information is available upon request. Meals are packaged in trays that can be placed either in the microwave or in the conventional oven.
Who is Eligeble
Persons 60 years of age or older who are homebound due to illness or handicap and who are unable to prepare their own nutritious meals are eligible for Meals on Wheels. The spouse of the eligible participant, residing with the participant, is also eligible to receive meals if this is in the best interest of the participant. In addition, handicapped persons, regardless of age, who reside with the elderly participant are eligible.
Persons who are under 60 years of age and homebound, but who meet the other criteria above, may receive meals for a charge of $3.75 per meal.
Contribution Policy
Eligible participants decide for themselves what, if anything, they can afford to donate for their meals. The suggested donation is $3.00 per meal. You may use your Quest card (or “Food Stamp” card) to donate toward the cost of your meals. No eligible person will be denied meals if unable to make a contribution. Here are suggested donations:
- 7 meals — $21
- 14 meals — $42
- 28 meals — $84
What are the Meals Like?
The dinners include a high quality protein entree, vegetable and rice or potato plus a choice of a white or dark roll with margarine. Breakfasts offer eggs, pancakes or French toast, fruit and choice of juice. Each meal includes non-fat dry milk equal to one cup of milk per meal. Each meal meets 1/3 of the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for older adults. Meals are available in low fat, low sodium, and six Kosher selections and include milk, margarine and a choice or white or dark roll. Some examples of menu items are:
- Baked fish with tomatoes and green pepper, au gratin potatoes, spinach
- Roast turkey, gravy, dressing, squash, cranberry sauce
- Meatloaf, gravy, scalloped potatoes, Scandinavian vegetables
- Gardenburger with rice and salsa, pineapple chunks, Mexicali corn
What is the Procedure?
Once an application form is received, the Meals on Wheels office will contact you within two weeks to assess your eligibility and to determine the number of meals and frequency of delivery needed. Once enrolled in the program, an order and delivery schedule will be assigned. You choose from a menu that includes 31 dinner/lunch entrees and 5 breakfast items. Your contribution can be made at delivery time with cash, check, or Quest card. At their website you can apply online or donate.
Contacts:
Ms. Judy Ruehlmann
Program Manager, Meals on Wheels
Email: JudyR@SeniorServices.Org
Telephone: (206) 448-5767
Fax: (206) 448-5756
2208 2nd Avenue
Seattle WA 98121
Ms. Margaret Strachan
Vice President, Senior Services
Email: Margarets@SeniorServices.org
Telephone: (206) 727-6225
2208 2nd Avenue
Seattle WA 98121