20220424-FAMILYCAREGIVER-T-0 - Flipbook - Page 18
environments live in fear and are far more
insecure. Fear and insecurity cause elevated
levels of stress that is deadly to emotional and
physical well-being. When stress is reduced, the
body’s systems function better, particularly the
immune system.
A congregate meal program provides a sense
of stability for participants. They can count on
going to the program and having their physical
and emotional needs met which brings about a
greater sense of satisfaction.
Increased Cognitive Function
Congregate meal programs offer multiple ways
for older adults to mentally engage. There’s
great conversation, engaging activities and
helpful speakers who discuss relevant subject
matter relating to older individuals. All of this
activity engages older adults to utilize their
minds and keep them active. Research shows
that older individuals who have low mental
stimulation lose cognitive ability because their
brains’ synapses and dendrites actually lose
the ability to function which leads to decreased
cognitive function.
Carroll County’s Program
There are several benefits of congregate meal
programs at our centers. The emotional and
physical benefits these programs provide have
a real impact on the individuals who participate
in them.
Center members can choose either a hot meal
or from six cold box lunch selections. Meals are
prepared and delivered daily by a local caterer.
In addition to the regular meals provided by the
caterer, the Senior Center staff work with local
restaurants and food trucks to provide “special”
occasion meals. Menus are posted in the
centers and available via an online newsletter.
These meals are often held in conjunction
with holidays but may also include events that
recognize center volunteers or Older Americans
18
month. People aged 60 or older may provide
a donation for their meal, while those under
60 are required to pay full price. There is no
income requirement to receive meals. Over
the past few years, the generous donations of
the county’s older citizens have enabled the
Bureau to provide food and exercise programs
for those in greatest economic need.
Most recently the Pandemic allowed the
Bureau of Aging and Disabilities to reevaluate
how food is made available to our older
citizens. When the Senior Centers closed in
March 2020, staff worked with the Maryland
Department of Aging and the County’s primary
food caterer to arrange for “Grab and Go”
meals.
Meals that otherwise would have
been provided in a congregate setting were
prepared, packaged, and presented to center
members in their vehicles. To aid struggling
local businesses, while also expanding menu
choices, we partnered with food trucks and
local restaurants to provide occasional “Grab
and Go” meals.
The county’s five senior centers were able to
reopen in May 2021 and have remained open
even as we have had to adjust protocols to
meet the everchanging face of the COVID-19
pandemic. Throughout this time the centers
have maintained both a vibrant congregate
and grab and go meal program. Ten months
after the centers reopened, the Grab and Go
program remains a popular option for older
citizens who are not quite ready to return for
meals in a congregate setting. We plan to
continue to offer Grab and Go meals for as long
as possible.
Adapted from seniorcenterdirectory.com with local information
provided by Rich Ottone, Community Services Supervisor
2022 – 2023 Carroll County Bureau of Aging & Disabilities Resource Guide