2. Meals on Wheels of Erath County 2012 Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

3. Meals on Wheels Friendly Reminders Before You Go Before You Go Document your time and mileage. Document your time and mileage. Count meals, milk, dessert, etc – keep them upright! Count meals, milk, dessert, etc – keep them upright! Be sure that clients listed on Route Sheets for a “Dietetic” meal receive meals that are marked in red. Be sure that clients listed on Route Sheets for a “Dietetic” meal receive meals that are marked in red.

4. When You Arrive Check the list for special diets and milk. Check the list for special diets and milk. Always be pleasant and helpful! Always be pleasant and helpful! Knock, and knock again if necessary. Knock, and knock again if necessary. If no answer, see if the door is open and call out. If no answer, see if the door is open and call out. Talk to the client! Listen! Ask if you can help. Talk to the client! Listen! Ask if you can help. Note anything out of the ordinary… abuse/neglect. Note anything out of the ordinary… abuse/neglect. Document observations and donations. Document observations and donations. If the door is locked, call the home phone, then MoW. If the door is locked, call the home phone, then MoW.

5. If you cannot locate the client, don’t leave the meal! Let the Meal Coordinator or Executive Director know if someone does not answer the door. They will check on the client to ensure their safety. The meal should be given to the next client on the list in addition to that client’s usual meal.

6. Signs of Abuse poor hygiene, poor hygiene, dirty clothes, dirty clothes, weight loss, weight loss, uneaten meals, uneaten meals, body language, etc. body language, etc. Report any suspected case of abuse to the Executive Director or Meal Coordinator Report any suspected case of abuse to the Executive Director or Meal Coordinator

7. If at any time you feel the client is in medical distress, call 911 first; then call the Executive Director or Meal Coordinator to report the incident. If at any time you feel the client is in medical distress, call 911 first; then call the Executive Director or Meal Coordinator to report the incident.

8. Emergencies If the door is open: If the door is open: and you discover the client fallen, or if you cannot rouse the client who is there, or if the client requests medical help, call 911 immediately and wait for them to arrive. Call the MoW office and inform them of the situation. Call the MoW office and inform them of the situation.

9. Please Remember… Maintain personal hygiene – you’re handling someone’s lunch! Maintain personal hygiene – you’re handling someone’s lunch! Food safety is key. Food safety is key. And please remember to keep recipient information confidential. And please remember to keep recipient information confidential.

10. Background Checks In a continuing effort to keep our clients safe, we run background checks on volunteers. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. In a continuing effort to keep our clients safe, we run background checks on volunteers. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.

11. Follow us on We have a Facebook page! Refer a senior for meals. Refer a senior for meals. Get open route notifications. Get open route notifications. Sign up to volunteer. Sign up to volunteer. Get the latest information. Get the latest information.

12. Thank YOU for being in the front lines of the battle to help all those who need our help. You have our support and our gratitude!!! Thank YOU for being in the front lines of the battle to help all those who need our help. You have our support and our gratitude!!!

13. Contact Info Erath County Senior Citizens, INC. 1306 E. Washington Town East Center, Suite M Stephenville, TX 76401 254-965-3510 or 254-445-2898 (phone) 254-965-3591 (fax) erathmow@embarqmail.com

14. We are… So no senior goes hungry!

15. Blessed In Aging ~Esther Mary Walker Blessed are they who understand My faltering step and shaking hand Blessed, who know my ears today Must strain to hear the things they say. Blessed are those who seem to know My eyes are dim and my mind is slow Blessed are those who look away When I spilled tea that weary day. Blessed are they who, with cheery smile Stopped to chat for a little while Blessed are they who know the way To bring back memories of yesterday. Blessed are those who never say “You’ve told that story twice today” Blessed are they who make it known That I am loved, respected and not alone. And blessed are they who will ease the days Of my journey home, in loving ways.

16. Laughter is the Best Medicine http://www.caregiverstress.com/2010/07/ a-reminder-that-laughter-is-the-best- medicine/ http://www.caregiverstress.com/2010/07/ a-reminder-that-laughter-is-the-best- medicine/ http://www.caregiverstress.com/2010/07/ a-reminder-that-laughter-is-the-best- medicine/ http://www.caregiverstress.com/2010/07/ a-reminder-that-laughter-is-the-best- medicine/