The WellSky Foundation has revealed groundbreaking results from a study conducted in partnership with Meals on Wheels America, showing a dramatic reduction in hospital readmissions for seniors receiving meal delivery services. The study tracked patients from two hospitals in New York and Florida, finding an 85% drop in readmissions within 30 days of meal service intervention, and an impressive 93% reduction after 90 days. Nearly all participants (98%) felt the service helped their recovery, and 61% reported reduced social isolation.
The research highlights the impact of addressing social determinants of health, particularly food insecurity, in improving outcomes for vulnerable seniors post-hospital discharge. Meals on Wheels programs, like Meals on Wheels Rockland (NY) and the Senior Resources Association (FL), provided meal assistance to discharged patients identified as food insecure, using a technology-based screening tool. The intervention underscores how community-based support can fill critical gaps left by traditional health care.