Contact us
Have a question or comment about Meals on Wheels SA? Find answers to common queries or get in touch with us.
Contact information
Phone
Postal Address
PO Box 406 Unley SA 5061
Physical Address
80-84 Sir Donald Bradman Dr, Hilton SA 5033
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Frequently asked questions
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Who is eligible for Meals on Wheels?
Anybody who has difficulty with shopping or cooking for themselves with ease is eligible. The service is provided to older people, people living with a disability, people recovering from a hospital visit and of course, carers. The service is not means tested, is based on need and there are no waiting lists!
How do I access the Meals on Wheels service, and do I need a referral?
A simple call can be made to our Central Office on free call 1800 854 453, where one of our staff can assist you over the phone.
Referrals can come from anywhere, including family members, friends and even by referring yourself!
Formal referrals are also happily accepted from general practitioners, healthcare professionals, community care providers or your local council.
If you live in regional SA, our staff will be able to assist you with local information and direct you to your local service.
How do I make a referral?
A simple call can be made to our free call number, 1800 854 453, where one of our staff can assist you over the phone. You can also fax in your details to 8490 2309 or speak to your doctor, community health nurse or other health professional who can help you with the process.
If you live in regional SA, our staff will be able to assist you with local information.
How soon can a Meals on Wheels service be provided?
Once a referral to our service has been received, a representative from Meals on Wheels SA will speak to the customer to arrange the service as soon as possible. This may involve a phone call, and if necessary, a home visit to assist with completing the necessary paperwork.
Once we’ve sorted out the details and wrapped up the paperwork, we can get started as early as the next day, depending on how urgent it is.
Can I have a small serving because I am not a big eater?
Meals on Wheels SA’s three-course meal is nutritionally balanced and meets the national guidelines for quality and safety.
We do recommend customers try eating the full meal when it is delivered hot. However, we also understand that some days you may not feel like this all at once, so perhaps the dessert could be eaten later in the day (e.g. for afternoon tea).
Meals on Wheels SA does not suggest splitting the meal, but if it is done at any time, we recommend supplementing the meal by having other food (e.g. a toasted sandwich with the soup, a bread roll with the main course.
Can you just leave my meal somewhere if I am not going to be home?
Meals on Wheels SA must ensure that the meal is delivered safely and within the health regulation time frames set by SA Health. Our wellbeing checks also have our deliverers ensuring that you are alright through a personal contact.
If you know in advance that you will not be home at the time of your meal delivery on a certain day, you may preorder a frozen meal in advance, to be delivered the day before.
What do I do if I need to cancel a meal delivery?
The local Branch needs 24 hours’ notice to cancel your meal if you are not going to be home to receive it.
If your local Branch is not attended at the time you need to call and advise us of a change, you can make a free call to 1800 854 453.
We will not charge for a meal if you let the Branch know in advance.
How do you keep the cost of the meals so affordable?
Our dedicated volunteers! Those who freely give their time, skills and resources enable Meals on Wheels SA to offer such a value-packed service.
How do I pay for my meals?
Meals on Wheels SA preferred method of payment is by direct debit. This helps keep costs down and saves our volunteers from having to handle cash on their deliveries.
When we come to arrange meals, we will provide all the necessary information to enable this to take place.
Bank details are kept strictly confidential.
I don’t like the idea of direct debit. Is there another way to pay for my meals?
For the safety of our volunteers, convenience for our customers and security of transaction, direct debit is the preferred method of payment. Most of our customers pay for their meals in this way.
If you have any specific need or financial questions, our Finance Department will be happy to discuss them with you.
Does Meals on Wheels SA provide texture-modified meals?
Yes, we do provide texture-modified meals. A referral from a speech pathologist or a doctor is necessary for these meal varieties.
What if I have a special diet or allergies to food?
Meals on Wheels SA can provide a selection of special diets for those with an identified medical need who have a referral from a doctor, speech pathologist, dietitian or appropriate healthcare professional. Depending on availability, special diets may take a few days to arrange with the local Branch.
There are certain foods that I don’t like. Is that alright?
Meals on Wheels SA’s volunteer-based system finds it difficult to cater for every personal like or dislike in taste, but you should discuss these matters with us so that we are aware.
We do have the ability to provide not only our regular meals on a rotating basis from an extensive menu to ensure variety, but also special meals for special diets or needs, such as texture modified, high energy/high protein, vegetarian, gluten free and low potassium.
What do I do for my other meals?
Meals on Wheels provides a sound base for daily nutrition. We recognise that people have special and individual needs and circumstances and we would encourage our customers to have a plan to make sure they don’t lack the energy for living happily and better.
You can discuss your individual situation with us, as there may be other options that we can suggest.
We also offer the option of fresh cooked meals which are specially frozen and can be delivered to you for weekends and holidays.
Do I have to have a Meals on Wheels SA every day?
No — it is entirely the choice of the customer. There are no minimum requirements.
Meals on Wheels can be a seven-day service if needed. Monday to Friday we provide a hot lunchtime meal to people who are unable to cook or shop for themselves. Meals on Wheels also offers fresh cooked meals which are specially frozen and can be delivered to you for weekends and holidays.
I only want meals for a few weeks. Is that OK?
Sure! We have no minimum time period, as we understand our service might only be needed for a few weeks to give people a chance to recover and get back on their feet. We will review your service needs with you regularly.
Where do the meals come from?
Our meals are produced through our network of kitchens run by volunteers or a local provider, such as a hospital. Special meals for special diets are produced at our Hilton facility and are sent to branches where they are delivered by volunteers.
What if I would like to provide some feedback to Meals on Wheels SA?
We are always happy to handle compliments, complaints or suggestions.
Ring our free call number, 1800 854 453, and you will be directed to the most appropriate person to discuss your query. You can also provide feedback online here.