How much does senior nutrition in Columbia cost?
The overall cost of senior meal service depends on the needs of your older loved one and what you choose for them. Perhaps you might only need to have meal service sent to them a few days a week, or maybe they need it more often. It will also depend on if the meal is ready to eat, simply needs heating up, or needs to be cooked. Research conducted in September of 2021 showed the following:
| Service | Average Entree Cost | Senior-Specific | Special Diets | Preparation | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meals On Wheels | Sliding scale | Yes | Yes | Ready to eat | Delivered by volunteers on weekdays |
| Nourish Charlotte | $16 | No | Yes | Ready to heat | Delivered on Mondays and Tuesdays by staff member |
| Blue Apron | $9 | No | Yes | Ready to cook | Delivered via FedEx/UPS |
| Meal Pro | $8.99-$13.99 | Yes | Yes | Ready to heat | Shipped via FedEx |
While researching, consider your senior’s needs and if preparing meals is something they can do. Will they be able to cook if it involves light prep work, or would having ready-to-eat food be better? Make sure to talk with them about any food preferences and dietary restrictions they have. If you are having meals delivered, you want to ensure your family is getting the nutrition they need.
What trade-offs might food insecure senior citizens in Columbia make in order to eat?
Being food insecure can influence a senior’s overall lifestyle. Depending on their income, health, and other needs, some seniors might forgo medications or have utilities turned off in order to ensure that they can eat. According to Feeding America, here are some of the choices seniors have to make when choosing between food and other necessities:
Helping your elderly loved one by setting up a meal delivery service can be useful, so they maintain good eating habits, but meal delivery provides more than a solution to hunger alone. Utilizing meal delivery is removing one barrier to your senior being able to age in place, which is useful for those trying to maintain their independence.
How to choose the best senior meal delivery service in Columbia
There are many different meal delivery services out there that can help the senior in your life. Because of all the variety, it can be tricky to choose one. It’s important to think about all the various factors that influence your older loved one’s life. Start with their budget. Does their insurance or Medicare cover meal delivery? Find out what options there are for assistance that could help with your senior’s budget. Sometimes there are special programs at the state or federal level that make allowances for senior nutrition.
Don’t forget to consider what type of nutritional needs they have. Research shows that seniors need more nutrient-rich foods, but not necessarily a lot of calories, so keep this in mind when going through your options.
If you are looking for more information, we have a comprehensive guide to senior meal delivery that can help as you research what’s available in the Columbia and Jefferson City areas.
Find senior meal services in Columbia
Aging in place can make a world of difference to the senior in your life. Allowing your older loved one to stay as independent as possible during their golden years can keep them happy and healthy, although it does require a lifestyle adjustment. Give yourself peace of mind and ensure your senior has access to the services they need. Check out our Columbia senior meal service reviews to help you begin the process and find an option that is just right for your family member.
