The Meals on Wheels program of Sourcewise is one of 5,000 dedicated community-based services in the United States providing homebound seniors (60 years and older) access to nutritious meals, regardless of their economic status. 

Title III of the Older Americans Act (OAA) legislates the delivery of support services nationwide for local community-based providers, including Meals on Wheels. III ensures that older adults are provided services to maintain maximum independence; remove economic and social barriers; and receive a continuum of care to remain safely at home.

In fiscal year 2015– 2016, the Sourcewise Meals on Wheels program (MOW) provided 1,570 individuals with 678,000 nutritious meals— delivered right to their door. While the program focuses on providing nutritious meals to homebound seniors, MOW drivers also conduct a safety check and a friendly visit to ensure that the recipient is safe.

Diana L., a diabetic, has been making efforts to watch her diet and enjoys the two daily well-balanced meals she receives from MOW. She advised Sourcewise that her last doctor’s visit showed good results. Diana attributes this good news to MOW. While not specially designed for persons with diabetes or high-blood pressure, the meals are low in sodium and sugar content.

JoAnn G. advised that Meals on Wheels helped her when she was recently released from the hospital. Unable to cook for herself; not able to drive; and with no family nearby, JoAnn says her Meals on Wheels deliveries have been a God send.

Thirty-nine congregate meal sites (often at senior centers) exist in Santa Clara County; providing seniors an opportunity to enjoy a hot meal and socialize. Santa Clara Senior Center and others offer hot lunches for a small suggested contribution.

Sourcewise also supports Santa Clara County Senior Nutrition Program, The Health Trust, and Yu-Ai-Kai to provide nutrition options for seniors.

Learn about meal options from a Sourcewise Community Resource Specialist: (408) 350-3200, option 1.

Diane De Dominicis (64) was happy to participate in Senior Employment Services of Sourcewise from April 16, 2015–May 15, 2017. Through the program, Diane had an opportunity for on-the-job training at Second Harvest Food Bank and Silicon Valley Independent Living Center (SVILC).

Diane is now employed directly by SVILC as an administrative assistant, and states, “I thoroughly enjoyed working in Sourcewise Senior Employment Services. It was great to get out and meet so many supportive people helping me along— and the best part is I got a job!”

“Diane has always performed her assigned duties in a very thorough and accurate manner. That [behavior] led to the ultimate program goal— [when] a host training agency recognizes a valued participant’s performance and offers [the participant] a full-time job at their organization,” states Henri Villalovoz, Director of Senior Employment Services.

Sourcewise Senior Employment Services provides assistance to low-income, unemployed individuals, aged 55+ to develop contemporary job skills and build self-confidence, while earning a modest income. The program’s goal is to facilitate a transition to permanent, unsubsidized employment opportunities.

Sourcewise is able to provide employment services through important partnerships with local organizations, including, but not limited to: Respite and Research for Alzheimer’s disease; Heart of the Valley Services for Seniors; and Catholic Charities John XXIII Multiservice Center.

Qualified participants of Senior Employment Services may receive valuable benefits, including: training compensation; assistance to create or update a resume; transportation assistance (VTA bus passes); general physical exams; eyeglasses; and access to other resources to facilitate candidates with training and job placement.

To learn more about the Sourcewise Senior Employment Services, call: (408) 350-3200, option 5.

Did you know that a ¼ cup serving of fresh cranberries has only 4 grams of sugar; but, the same amount of dried cranberries has 29 grams? Americans seeking healthy diets may be surprised at high amounts of sugar in supposedly healthy foods. Cereal; salad dressings; marinades and sauces; even flavored yogurt commonly include hidden sugars.

Fruit cups often contain high fructose corn syrup, packing up to 30 grams of sugar. Barbequed chicken offers a low-fat alternative to fried chicken. However, using a bottled marinade may diminish health benefits; as sugar comprises 80% of the calories in store-bought marinades.

Products labeled as ‘low fat’ or ‘low calorie’ often contain high amounts of sugar. Read labels to be aware of sugars in foods and beverages, and look for ingredients such as: cane, syrup, sweetener, and words ending in ‘ose’ (e.g. sucrose, fructose, dextrose, etc.)

In 2016, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) required changes to product labels (updating daily values, serving sizes, and nutrition facts) to better inform consumers about packaged foods and to facilitate healthier choices when grocery shopping.

For sustained energy, choose high protein foods with zero to less than 1 gram of sugar per serving, including: meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, legumes, and tofu.

The USDA recommends less than 10% of daily calories (12–13 teaspoons daily) should originate from added dietary sugars. Keep track of caloric consumption, sugar, fat, and monitor weight loss goals and physical activity with Supertracker, available online at: https://www.supertracker.usda.gov/.

Learning she had prediabetes was probably the best thing, Angelina says, that ever happened to her. At 53, she had been steadily gaining weight and found it difficult to keep up with her grandchildren.

Prediabetes is a condition where blood glucose levels rise higher than normal, leading to risks of developing diabetes, heart disease, and strokes.

A Behavioral Risk Factor Survey (2013-14) by the Public Health Department showed that 10% of adults in Santa Clara County have been diagnosed with prediabetes. The Sourcewise Area Plan on Aging 2016-20, indicates that 10% of seniors aged 65+ are overweight; increasing their risk of developing prediabetes.

Collette LaSalle, Assistant Professor of Nutrition, Food Science, & Packaging at San Jose State University advises, “Losing 5-7% of your weight may correct or delay onset. At any age, we see benefits, especially with physical activity.” She adds that exercise can stabilize blood glucose levels.

Angelina decided that being active with her grandkids was important. She made changes to improve her blood sugar levels: limited carbs; ate smaller portions; drank more water; and eliminated soda. These changes may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 58%, according to a clinical trial by the National Diabetes and Prevention Program.

Connie Corrales, Director of the Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program of Sourcewise, states, “Medicare does not require a copay or deductible for diabetic screening.” Additional coverage for Medicare beneficiaries at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes is authorized to begin on January 1, 2018.

Angelina reduced her risk for type 2 diabetes by altering her diet and lost 30 pounds.

A simple test is available to determine risk for prediabetes; visit www.doihaveprediabetes.org.

Learn more about diabetes prevention and management. Call a Community Resource Specialist: (408) 350-3200, option 1.

Nearly 15% of all caregivers in the U.S. are long distance caregivers. This estimate is expected to double by 2020, according to data published by the Family Caregiver Alliance (2016).

A caregiver living one or more hours away from a care recipient is considered a ‘long distance caregiver.’

Caring for a loved one from afar presents unique physical and emotional demands, especially if the care recipient lives in another city or state.

Caregivers can ease some of the challenges they face. Options for providing assistance and support for a loved one at a distance include:

• Clear communication is important for all involved. Set regular times to speak with relatives and those assisting with care at home. If possible, schedule a meeting by phone or internet.
• Create a contact list. Assemble addresses and phone numbers of close friends, neighbors, and doctors who are in regular contact with the care recipient for quick access in case of an emergency, and share with all who care for the individual.
• Seek local resources and senior/disability services. Adult day services; in-home care agencies; and friendly visitor programs provide additional care options and may provide peace of mind for long distance caregivers.

To learn more about local community resources, contact a Community Resource Specialist: (408) 350-3200, option 1.