Over 340 Meals on Wheels organisations will benefit from €1.75 million additional funding, €160k of which will go to Waterford - Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler TD has announced.
€3.5 million has also been allocated to the Community Healthcare Organisations (CHOs) to support Day Centre services, benefitting up to 330 centres throughout the country
€5.25 million worth of funding for Meals on Wheels and Day Centres for older people has already been allocated to organisations across Waterford and throughout the country.
Speaking to WLR News, Minister Butler said: “Every day, older people with support needs are helped to live independently in their own homes through our community services, which include Day Centres, Meals on Wheels and home support services. Over many years, the Meals on Wheels services in Waterford and around the country has proved to be an important component of the community services offered to older people, particularly in rural communities."
“This announcement will see an additional €1.75 million provided to Meals on Wheels organisations who provided an estimated 2.4 million meals to over 54,000 people last year. This enhanced investment will now allow for an expansion of the support service to more people this year. The Meals on Wheels service, located across the country, provide a significant connection and support to many older people in our communities by helping to maintain their health and independence through the provision of healthy meals. Many older people also benefit from the increased physical activity, cognitive stimulation, enhanced nutrition, healthcare monitoring, and social work support on offer at Day Centres, which also provide an important resource for carers.
“Every week I see the importance and value in our community supports in helping our older people in Waterford and across Ireland stay living at home independently and staying connected. Day Centres and Meals on Wheels are vital components of wraparound services that help people to stay in their communities and homes."
