For individuals managing chronic kidney disease or undergoing dialysis, adhering to a specialized renal diet is crucial for maintaining their health and well-being. This diet typically involves carefully controlling the intake of sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and fluids, while ensuring adequate protein consumption. Recognizing the challenges associated with preparing meals that meet these specific dietary requirements, Meals on Wheels programs offer a valuable service: renal-friendly, home-delivered meals.
Understanding the Renal Diet
A kidney dialysis diet necessitates careful management of sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and fluid intake. It is recommended to avoid foods high in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. Excess sodium can severely impact those with renal disease, as compromised kidneys struggle to filter out excess minerals and fluids, leading to a harmful buildup in the body. This accumulation can cause dehydration, increase strain on the heart, and elevate blood pressure. Such conditions can trigger uncomfortable symptoms like swelling and shortness of breath and, if left unchecked, may ultimately lead to kidney failure.
Potassium and phosphorus may also need to be limited, as advised by a doctor, according to the American Kidney Fund.
Protein intake is another critical aspect of the renal diet. Eating too much protein can stress the kidneys, while eating too little can lead to weakness, fatigue, and increased susceptibility to infections. Limiting protein foods to 5 to 7 ounces a day is generally recommended.
Fluid restriction is also important for many dialysis patients. Limiting fluids to the amount recommended by a doctor is important to the health and stability of the kidneys.
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Meals on Wheels: A Solution for Renal Dietary Needs
Meals on Wheels programs provide a vital service by delivering nutritious meals to individuals who may have difficulty preparing them themselves, including those with renal dietary restrictions. These programs offer a convenient and reliable way to access meals that align with specific health needs.
Low-Sodium Meal Delivery
Meals on Wheels offers a low-sodium food delivery program for those with dietary restrictions. These services provide pre-portioned, chef-crafted meals designed specifically for individuals on low-sodium diets. With low-sodium meal delivery service, individuals can enjoy a variety of dishes made from fresh, high-quality ingredients, crafted to meet strict low-sodium guidelines.
Renal Meal Plans
Meals on Wheels offers specialized renal meal plans for those with low-sodium dietary needs. These meal plans focus on incorporating low-sodium foods and appropriate protein levels to effectively assist in tracking daily sodium intake.
Nutritional Considerations
Meals on Wheels provides breakfast and noon meals which supply the body with one-third of the recommended amounts of nutrients as guided by the Recommended Dietary Allowances. The sodium content of the meals does not exceed 1000 mg on average, which compliments the dialysis diet. No salt is added during preparation, and salt-free products, such as frozen vegetables rather than canned, are used as much as possible. Breakfast foods will provide, on average, 966 mg of potassium.
Menus are planned and prepared under the supervision of a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). All meals provide a minimum of one-third of the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) and meet the most current USDA’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Medically Tailored Meals (MTM) meet the needs of almost any medical condition. To ensure meals have a positive impact on clients, the Nutrition, Health, and Impact Department oversees the use of the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), a validated nutrition screening instrument, which allows them to determine whether or not their meal program improves the malnourished state of those they serve. They strive to stay current on nutrition research pertaining to the aging population, with special emphasis on Home Delivered Meal participants. A MOWCTX Allergen Guide is available to clients upon special request which shares important information identifying which food items contain one or more of the top 8 allergens (eggs, fish, shellfish, milk, peanuts, treenuts, soy, and wheat) in addition to gluten.
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Additional Services and Considerations
Beyond providing meals, Meals on Wheels programs often offer additional services and considerations to support their clients' overall well-being.
Weekend and Emergency Meals
In addition to the lunch meal offered, some programs also offer smaller, chilled or shelf-stable breakfast and dinner options. Weekend Pantry Bags may be available, although they may not be appropriate for all diet types. Some programs also offer an emergency meal in case of winter weather closure.
Client Well-being
Client Wellbeing Questions assist the program on grant applications and other reports.
Delivery Acknowledgement
The client or another person MUST be home to receive delivery during the specified hours. Meals on Wheels will not leave a meal unattended at the door.
Additional Support Services
Some Meals on Wheels programs partner with other organizations to offer additional support services, such as pet food, veterinary visits, and monthly bags of shelf-stable foods.
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Other Meal Delivery Services
In addition to Meals on Wheels, several other meal delivery services offer kidney-friendly meals. These services can be helpful for patients who have limited ability to prepare their own meals or for dialysis patients who work and need a quick meal that meets their renal diet requirements.
Magic Kitchen
Magic Kitchen offers both pre-dialysis and dialysis-friendly meals, with each meal including an entrée and one or two sides.
Mom's Meals
Mom’s Meals offers dialysis-friendly meals only, with a renal menu that includes options for all three meals, complete with an entrée, one or two sides, and a snack. Mom’s meals offers some Medicaid patients benefits.
Martha’s Senior Gourmet
Martha’s Senior Gourmet offers renal-friendly meals and can accommodate other dietary restrictions, such as diabetic or vitamin K modifications. A monitoring report is available, completed by the delivery personnel, to alert family to any potential problems.
Getting Started with Meals on Wheels
Getting started with Meals on Wheels is easy. Complete the online form to enroll and take the first step toward enjoying convenient and nutritious meals designed specifically for renal dietary needs.
Eligibility
To determine eligibility for government or health plan assistance, consider the following questions:
- Are you over 65?
- Are you disabled?
- Do you require assistance with grocery shopping and/or preparing meals?
- Are you on Medicaid or a Medicare Advantage plan that offers a paid meal benefit?
If eligible, contact your health plan to see if you are eligible to receive a home-delivered meals benefit or contact your Area Agency on Aging to see if you qualify for government-funded programs. If you do not qualify for this kind of assistance to get home-delivered meals, you are able to purchase meals directly.