Eligibility, Screening, and Assessment

Program Eligibility

The following criteria must be met in order to be eligible for the Neighborhood Meals on Wheels (NMOW) Program.

  1. Any individual 60 years of age and older who is frail and Homebound* by reason of illness, disability, or isolation.
  2. A spouse of eligible person, regardless of age or condition, if an assessment concludes that it is in the best interest of the homebound older individual.
  3. An individual with a disability who resides at home with the eligible person if an assessment concludes that it is in the best interest of the homebound older individual.

*Definition of homebound:

  • Bed-bound and non-ambulatory.
  • Wheelchair-bound and living alone.
  • Ambulatory, alone and unable to leave home without assistance.
  • Alone and able to leave home with difficulty.

Exemptions to the above should be presented to assigned dietitian and approved by the SNP administration.

Screening and Assessment

  1. Assessment Procedures
    Contractor shall implement the following screening and assessment procedures for NMOW eligibility.
     
    1. Initial Screening and Assessment
      1. Initial screening shall be done via phone within two business days upon receipt of referral.
      2. In-home visit for assessment shall be done prior to initiation of meal service to verify eligibility.
      3. Contractor shall use the New Client Assessment form (Form: New Client Assessment) to conduct the initial screening and assessment of each potential participant.
      4. Refer to Program Eligibility criteria to verify NMOW qualification.
    2. Bi-Annual Assessment
      1. Contractor shall conduct bi-annual assessment, via phone or in-home visit, of NMOW participants on a quarterly basis.
      2. Contractor shall use the NMOW re-assessment form (Form: Bi-Annual Assessment Form)
      3. Refer to Program Eligibility criteria to verify continued NMOW program eligibility.
    3. Annual Assessment
      1. Annually, contractor shall provide an in-home visit to each NMOW participant.
      2. Contractor shall use the NMOW Annual Assessment form (Form: Annual Assessment) to conduct an annual evaluation.
      3. Refer to Program Eligibility to verify continued NMOW program eligibility.
    4. Additional Services
      1. NMOW participants requiring additional services shall be referred as appropriate.
  2. Age Verification
    Age verification should be done prior to enrollment in the NMOW program. The provider is allowed to ask for I.D. to verify applicant’s age if the applicant appears or is suspected to be under the age of 60.
  3. Disqualification Process
    Upon any time during the re-assessment process, if clients do not meet the qualifications for the NMOW program (including requirements such as being homebound, having limited mobility and living status), they may be subject to disqualification.