Other ways to cater for the elderly

Many people take great delight in preparing meals, particularly for loved ones, however as we age, this becomes harder for us to manage and sadly many lose the ability to prepare well balanced meals. Meals on Wheels has been a lifeline for many elderly and vulnerable individuals, ensuring they receive hot, nutritious meals. However, in Gloucestershire, various alternative providers have emerged, offering diverse options for those who may not qualify for traditional Meals on Wheels services or who are seeking something different. This blog post explores several such providers, including Bunters Café, Dean Forest Kitchen, Wiltshire Farm Foods, COOK, and supermarket frozen meals, while considering the crucial element of human connection. 

Bunters Café 

Bunters Café, located in and serving the people of Wotten-under-edge, offers a more personalized alternative to traditional meal delivery services. Known for its hearty, home-cooked meals, Bunters Café provides a delivery service that brings its café favourites straight to the doors of those in need. With an emphasis on freshly prepared food, Bunters Café ensures that customers receive meals that are both comforting and nutritious. However, like many food delivery services, the human interaction component is minimal, making it ideal for those who already have a robust support network. 

Dean Forest Kitchen 

Dean Forest Kitchen, another local gem, operates in the Forest of Dean area. This small social enterprise focuses on delivering freshly cooked, locally sourced meals to its customers. Here is what they say about themselves; 
‘We are a non-profit community interest company with a charitable heart, relying heavily on our hero volunteers and an amazing team who help us with the mammoth task in the kitchen such as cleaning, preparing food and dishing up and of course our driver's who are the comforting face to our invaluable service.’  
Dean Forest Kitchen’s commitment to using high-quality ingredients and preparing meals with care has made it a popular choice for those looking for a more gourmet experience. Their passion is not just to provide delicious & nutritious meals but, like The Kitchen Companions, they also to bring meaningful connection and hope to those they visit. 

Wiltshire Farm Foods 

Wiltshire Farm Foods is a well-known name in the world of meal delivery, offering a wide range of frozen meals delivered to your door. With an extensive menu catering to various dietary needs, including low-salt, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, Wiltshire Farm Foods provides convenience and variety. While the quality of the food is generally praised, the service lacks the personal touch that some individuals may require, particularly those who are isolated and rely on these interactions for social contact. 

COOK 

COOK is another popular option for frozen meals, offering gourmet-style dishes that can be easily heated at home. Known for its quality and taste, COOK meals are often a go-to for those looking for a bit of luxury in their day-to-day dining. The service is convenient and offers a wide variety of meals, but like other frozen meal providers, it does not address the need for social interaction, which can be vital for the elderly and isolated. 

Other meal providers include 

Of course, there are other meal providers out there.  Oak House Foods is a provider of quality frozen meals delivered by a local driver, they boast of having a menu of over 300 items in their brochure. Parsley box is another fantastic provider offering a wide range of meals with next day delivery available. 

Supermarket Frozen Meals 

Supermarket frozen meals are perhaps the most accessible option, with a vast array of choices available from most major grocery stores. These meals are typically affordable and easy to prepare, making them a convenient option for many. Many supermarkets now also home deliver which makes it even more convenient.  However, they offer no interaction beyond the shopping experience, which may be a significant downside for individuals who need more than just a meal. 

The Importance of Human Connection 

While these alternative meal providers in Gloucestershire offer valuable services, they often lack one critical component: meaningful human connection. For many elderly and isolated individuals, the social interaction provided by traditional Meals on Wheels volunteers can be just as important as the food itself. These interactions help combat loneliness and ensure regular welfare checks, contributing significantly to overall well-being. 

Therefore, while these alternatives may be suitable for those with strong community ties or who already receive regular visits from friends and family, they may not be ideal for individuals who are more isolated. For these people, the combination of nutritious meals and social interaction provided by traditional Meals on Wheels services remains irreplaceable. 

In conclusion, Gloucestershire offers a variety of alternative meals on wheels options that cater to different needs and preferences. However, when choosing a service, it’s essential to consider not just the food but also the level of human connection and support that the service provides. 

People often ask:
Does Gloucestershire County Council provide meals on wheels?
How to make food appealing to the elderly?
What are 5 foods that elderly should eat?
How to stimulate taste buds in the elderly?

Want to know more about Dean Forest Kitchen? read our blog
Have you read our blog - Understanding the impact of social isolation