columbushosp.org 7 Safe at Home and Meals on Wheels support living independently Columbus Community Hospital offers many services to help support our community’s wellbeing, including programs that help people stay safe and wellnourished in their own homes. Safe at Home CCH’s Safe at Home program offers personal emergency response systems that send help day or night at the push of a button. “We have devices that are used just at home, and we have some that you can take anywhere,” said Hailey Rathje, program coordinator for Safe at Home. Older adults; people with disabilities, injuries or illnesses; survivors of domestic violence; and those who are at risk of falling are among the people who use the service, Rathje noted. When you alert the system, a trained dispatcher will send the appropriate help, whether that’s emergency medical services or a designated neighbor to check on you. For instance, Rathje said, “Someone pushed their button because their cellphone fell behind the couch and it was not safe for them to crawl back there and get it. They asked for Meals on Wheels Meals on Wheels serves people who are unable to prepare meals for themselves or leave home to eat. “Maybe there’s a need to make sure that your mom or dad is getting nourishment every day,” said Angie Ramaekers, director of volunteer and guest services at Columbus Community Hospital. “The Meals on Wheels program’s got you covered.” CCH’s nutrition services department prepares nutritious meals — currently priced at $6.44 per meal — and community volunteers deliver them with a side of soul-nourishing conversation. “The wonderful community volunteers bring a spark and help make the service stand out,” Ramaekers said. A typical meal includes meat and potatoes or a casserole, a vegetable, salad, dessert, bread and milk. “If you have dietary restrictions, we can accommodate some of those,” Ramaekers noted. The program also offers special touches, such as inviting area children to color pictures that will go with Christmas meals. “We share those drawings or notes of love with the Meals on Wheels subscribers,” Ramaekers said. Live confidently, eat well the neighbor to be called to come over and assist in retrieving it.” When you opt in to the Safe at Home program, a representative will set up the device for you and teach you how to use it. And someone local, like Rathje, will promptly help with any future questions or concerns. ABOVE: Hailey Rathje (left), the Safe at Home program coordinator, and LaVonne Schultz (right) are shown with medical alert system devices. BELOW: Peg Speicher (left) and Kay Steiner (right) are two of the volunteers who make Meals on Wheels deliveries. Help is here Please call 402-562-3382 to connect with Safe at Home or Meals on Wheels.
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