The council's meals on wheels service is called 'Meals Direct' and provides a lifeline to many people who are housebound or disabled. 'Meals Direct' deliver around 180,000 meals a year direct to homes and provide friendly social contact for those who may be confined to the house. We also help people maintain their independence and provide a regular check to ensure that all is well in the household.
Who is eligible for meals on wheels?
We will provide meals on wheels where there is clear evidence that:
- A person is unable to provide for themselves
- Meals are unavailable from any other source
- There is significant risk to that person in the absence of meals
Before you can request the meals on wheels service, Caerphilly Social Services will need to carry out a needs assessment to find out if you satisfy the eligibility criteria. If you are considered eligible, you will then be monitored regularly to check if you continue to qualify.
If you are not in receipt of meals on wheels and would like to find out if you or someone you know is eligible for the service call ASDIT on 0808 100 2500 or email asdit@caerphilly.gov.uk.
How are the meals provided?
Meals are prepared by the Caerphilly Catering Service. We provide customers with tasty, nutritious meals that are freshly prepared in local kitchens.
A fleet of purpose-built vans deliver hot or frozen meals, sandwiches or a mixture of the three, directly to your home. We offer a wide range of menu choices, covering cultural as well as dietary needs, and including special requirements like soft foods, vegetarians, diabetics, low fat diets and other special diets.
When does the service operate?
We deliver meals Monday to Friday between 11.30am and 2pm. They are delivered direct to your home or luncheon club by our team of friendly meals on wheels staff.
You may choose which day(s) you would like your meals delivered. However, due to the sheer volume of meals that we have to deliver every day, the time that your meal is delivered will be subject to our delivery timetable for your area.
How much does it cost?
- £2.30 for a traditionally cooked two course meal
- £1.15 for sandwiches
- £2.30 for frozen main meals (with dessert)
You can pay by either cash or cheque when your meal is delivered.
Quality Assurance and Food Hygiene
We take food hygiene very seriously and in addition to staff training, we have an excellent quality assurance system that limits all risks and hazards associated with catering operations to ensure food is prepared in the safest environments possible. Quality assurance audits are conducted by an impartial trained team and consistently demonstrate a high level of food service delivery.
Ordering a meal
If you are eligible for meals on wheels and would like to order a meal call 01495 235087 or email meals@caerphilly.gov.uk.
You can order your meals Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 5pm.
If you are not home
If you are not going to be at home, it is important that you let us know a few days in advance. If you have ordered a frozen meal we can deliver it on a different day.
If the driver tries to deliver your meal and does not get a response, he/she will naturally be concerned about your safety. He/she will inform the office who will try to make contact with family, friends or neighbours. If this is unsuccessful, we will, as a last resort, contact the emergency services. Therefore, it is important that you inform us if you are not going to be home to avoid any unnecessary concern.
If you are unhappy with the service
We hope you will enjoy the meals we provide for you. However, if you are not completely satisfied with your meal or any other aspect of the meals on wheels service, please contact Caerphilly Catering on 01495 235087 or email meals@caerphilly.gov.uk.
We are continually trying to improve our service and welcome any comments or suggestions for improvements.
If you are unhappy with a frozen meal please keep the container and foil as the meal can be more easily identified from the serial number.
Further information
For further information or advice about the meals on wheels service call the Caerphilly Catering Service on 01495 235087 or email meals@caerphilly.gov.uk.