| V302 – Meals On Wheels Online Module |
1.1 Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this module, you should be able to:
1.2 Completing the Module
In order to get the most out of this learning experience please read the required readings, respond to the reflective activities, and undertake a knowledge check. If you would like to discuss some of the topics in this module with others click on the Talk With Others section dedicated for Meals on Wheels.
It you have a question that you are unable to get answered in the readings or in the Talk With Others section send it national@von.ca.
1.3 Readings
The required reading for this module can be found by clicking on the items listed below:
If you require a refresher on general volunteering with VON click on V100 – Volunteer Online Orientation in the Volunteer Learning Centre. The Volunteer Online Orientation includes the following Modules:
Module 1 – About VON
Module 2 – Volunteers in VON
Module 3 – Involvement
Module 4 – Important Facts
Module 5 – What if Situations
1.3.1 What Is Meals On Wheels?
The Meals on Wheels Program is a voluntary community service for individuals who are unable for reasons of lack of strength, skills, or equipment to prepare adequate meals. The purpose of the program is to improve the nutritional status of these individuals, to provide a regular social contact and check on their safety and well-being. Meals on Wheels enables recipients to remain comfortable and independent in their own home
Volunteers deliver meals to the homes of people unable to shop or cook. Hot, nourishing meals are prepared in government-inspected kitchens, through commercial caterers or in kitchens in the community that meet the provincial legislation for food preparation.
1.3.2 Who Uses The Meals On Wheels Program?
Meals are delivered to residents of the community who may be:
1.3.3 What Do Volunteers Do?
NOTE: Not all volunteer positions outlined below will be available at every branch. Speak to your Program Coordinator to find out which positions are available in your area.
In some programs, two volunteers travel in each car. Volunteer drivers provide the vehicle and drive the route, and volunteer servers go into the client’s home with the meal. While in the home the volunteer shares a few friendly moments, and checks on the well-being and safety of the client. In other programs one volunteer acts as both driver and server.
In some programs, other volunteer opportunities are available. For example, volunteer clerical assistance may be needed in the Meal On Wheels office or day captains may be needed to assist with counting meals and loading meals into carrying equipment.
Volunteer drivers must have a safe driving record and possess a valid driver’s license and the required car insurance. The drivers should also have consistent access to a safe and reliable vehicle, and should be punctual and dependable.
Also, volunteer servers must be able to climb stairs and disembark from a vehicle many times.
There's always paperwork!
Duties will vary depending upon the need, but may include any of the following:
The Day Captain is responsible for scheduling volunteers to deliver meals on a specified route and for keeping the Program Coordinator informed about ill or retiring volunteers. This is a long-term position requiring good telephone skills and organizing abilities and can be done completely from home. The Program Coordinator provides you with a list of volunteers who are available for the MOW program, and supports you if you have any problems. The schedule for the upcoming month can be prepared as you have the time and will be provided to the Program Coordinator the last week of the month.
Since meals are delivered at midday, volunteer drivers and servers need to be available for approximately two hours at midday. A schedule will be mutually agreed upon depending on the availability of the volunteer and the needs of the Meals On Wheels program.
Volunteers receive a written job description. A sample job description can be viewed by clicking on Meals on Wheels Driver or Meals on Wheels Runner/Helper (pdf format). An appropriate orientation and training session from the coordinator is provided. The length of this session is reduced for those that have completed the Volunteer Online Orientation and this Meals On Wheels Online Module.
1.3.4 What Qualities And Skills Do Volunteers Need?
Volunteer drivers:
Volunteer servers:
Day Captains:
Office Volunteer
1.3.5 How Do I Become a Volunteer in the Meals On Wheels program?
1.3.6 Delivery of Services
In addition to the Important Facts and What If situations listed in the Volunteer Online Orientation, practical tips specific to meals on wheels have been developed.
The following lists some practical tips that may help you in your role as a Meals On Wheels volunteer.
1.3.6.1 Meal Delivery Routine
1.3.6.2 Visit Etiquette
When you visit each recipient there are a few things to remember
You should also keep a few things in mind:
1.3.6.3 Responding to Special Situations
When you notice a change in the client’s health or living conditions; when clients complain about their living conditions, doctors, nurses, and/or family members; listen but do not advise; report problem or concern to the program coordinator.
In Case Of Medical Emergency
Be aware of the procedures to follow in the event of any emergency. If you discover a client who has fallen call 911 and the VON office, do not move the client.
In Case of an Accident
A. At the Scene of the Accident:
Involvement in an auto accident is frightening and traumatic. It is not always a simple matter to remain calm when enveloped in a chaotic and confused situation. If you are driving as a volunteer for VON you have the additional concern that a client may be waiting for their meal.
We suggest following these steps:
- Call the Police or Collision Reporting Centre (depending on your area). The Emergency number 9-1-1 (or number for the Collision Reporting Centre) should be used if the collision is serious and there may be the possibility of personal injury.
- Report the collision to your program coordinator. The coordinator will want to know the details of the accident for our records and will be most interested in your well-being. The coordinator can also arrange to send help to you for the delivery of the remaining meals.
Make sure to include:
Name:
Phone Number:
Address:
Drivers Licence Number:
The Make, Model and Year of Vehicle:
Licence Plate Number:
Owner’s Name:
Owner’s Address:
Owner’s Telephone Number:
Insurance Company:
Insurance Policy Number:
Witness (1) Name:
Address:
Phone Number:
Witness (2) Name:
Address:
Phone Number:
1.3.7 Policies And Procedures For The Meals On Wheels Program
The policies applicable to volunteers are listed in V100 Volunteer Online Orientation – Module 3. Policies of particular interest to this program are repeated here:
Reimbursement of Expenses
Speak to your Program Coordinator about the branch policy on reimbursement of mileage expenses for MOW. If you wish to donate your reimbursement back to VON, an official tax receipt will be issued at the end of the year. Volunteers are not to accept monetary donations from MOW clients. If a client wishes to make a donation they are requested to mail it directly to the branch.
Car Signs
Some programs provide volunteers with a car sign to be placed on the dashboard of the delivery vehicle. Find out if your branch utilizes car signs.
Liability and Insurance
To protect volunteers VON carries Comprehensive General Liability Insurance that covers all volunteers while acting within the scope of their duties Our coverage will pay those sums that the VON becomes legally obligated to pay as damages because of bodily injury and property damages as a result of an act of negligence by a volunteer. If you are performing activities that fall outside the scope of your position description, VON is not responsible.
It is the responsibility of volunteers undertaking to drive on behalf of VON to carry sufficient automobile insurance to protect the volunteer as an owner/operator in the event of an accident and/or legal suit. VON requires a minimum of $1,000,000 3rd party liability. It is the responsibility of the volunteer to notify the insurance company of volunteer activity.
VON carries Non-owned Automobile Insurance that protects the VON for claims arising out of the use of a vehicle not owned by the organization, but used for the organization’s activities.
In the event of an accident, the primary responsibility for liability or any other costs rests with the volunteer and his/her own insurance company. If a claim is filed that is greater than the minimum coverage required by VON, then VON insurance can be accessed to cover the additional portion of the claim.
Completion of the following activities will help you reflect on the material presented and its application. You may also identify other sources or related information for future reference.
Click on and respond to the following to see how well you understand the topic of this module: Knowledge Check – Meals On Wheels
A dedicated area has been set aside for individuals interested sharing information. To access the discussion area click on the section: Talk With Others and select – Meals On Wheels.
If you have reviewed the content in this module, searched the web and used the Talk With Others section and you still have a question send it us at the following email address national@von.ca
1.8 Module Development
This module has been developed by Chris Peacock with the assistance of volunteers and staff. Jim Pealow assisted with the conversion of the content for delivery of the course in an online environment. Financial assistance was provided by Human Resources Development Canada – Office of Learning Technology.
Keeping this module relevant for the organization and participants is important and it would be appreciated if you could take a few moments to complete the module evaluation. Click on Module Evaluation access the evaluation.