Nutrition Services
Liquid Nutrition Program

Wayne County Office of Nutrition Services
Ph: 734-727-7357   -or-   800-851-1454

Health Drink
Wayne County helps all seniors get their nutrients with Liquid Nutrition Program

When Dorothy Brewer of Trenton began undergoing chemotherapy about a year ago, keeping anything solid in her stomach was a problem because the harsh chemicals affected her digestion.

Her husband had endured the same thing 10 years before when he had chemotherapy for throat cancer. Dorothy remembered that he drank a liquid supplement acquired through Wayne County.

She knew the supplement, called Boost, had worked for Benny for many years. Boost is a canned nutrition supplement made especially for cancer, dialysis, emphysema, post-operative patients and people who are malnourished.

Dorothy, 62, disabled and retired, was prescribed the high protein version. She drank one at noon, 2 in the evening. She explains: "It kept me going."

Today Dorothy is eating regular meals. "I'm done [using Boost now]," says Dorothy. "I feel I am eating well enough. Somebody needs it a lot worse than I do."

:: back to the top ::

The Liquid Nutrition program has been one of Wayne County's best kept secrets, officials say. However, interest is growing, according to the numbers, and it now represents 25% of the overall service offered by the Senior Citizen division. Since last October, the Senior Services' Nutrition division has distributed 200,000 cans.

The supplement comes in chocolate and vanilla, in either high protein and added fiber.

 "It tastes pretty good," says Carol Scott, the program's coordinator in Wayne County. "For people who are needing calories, we recommend people drop a scoop of ice cream in it."

Two cans provide one-third of the required daily intake for adults. Six cans a day is the maximum allowed. Cans last six months on the shelf.

Distribution of liquid nutrition began in the county in the late 1980s. What started out as a small program of 10 clients has grown to 600.

:: back to the top ::

While America seems to be becoming a fatter society, not all seniors fall into that category, Scott explains. They sometimes become malnourished because they live alone and don't see the need to cook a full meal. Health problems may cause them to become depressed and they do not eat regularly. "The liquid supplements help them get the nutrients they need to stay healthy," she says.

Getting the canned supplements requires a few simple steps. Eligible persons must be age 60 or over, live in the communities the program serves, and have a doctor's prescription to receive it. There is no income eligibility limit.

Once the paperwork has been completed, seniors or a designated representative can pick up their Boost supply at one of 15 distribution sites. A $10 donation is suggested per case [24 cans per case].

The program is funded by Federal and State funds through the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging and The Senior Alliance, as mandated by the Older Americans' Act, Older Michiganians' Act, and is in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Adds Scott: "It's really a good program. It really peps clients up especially if they are undergoing chemotherapy or dialysis."

To find out more information, call Wayne County Office of Nutrition Services: 734-727-7357  -or-  800-851-1454

:: back to the top ::

Liquid nutrition program facts

Currently the program distributes liquid nutrition at 15 sites, program serves more than 600 clients.
Persons who are eligible:

• Individuals 60 years and older
  
• Individuals must be certified by their doctor as using liquid meals as their sole source of nutrition
  
  
• A medical form from the WCSS office must be completed by a doctor with the following information:
• diagnosis of client's condition and current weight
• type and amount needed
• duration of service
  
  
• A new medical form will be issued every six months to determine continued eligibility
  
  
• The individual must be a resident of one of the following communities: Allen Park, Belleville, Brownstown Twp., Canton, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Ecorse, Flat Rock, Garden City, Gibraltar, Grosse Ile, Huron Twp., Inkster, Lincoln Park, Livonia, Melvindale, Northville, Northville Twp., Plymouth, Plymouth Twp., Redford, River Rouge, Riverview, Rockwood, Romulus, Southgate, Sumpter Twp., Taylor, Trenton, Van Buren, Wayne, Westland, Woodhaven or Wyandotte.

:: back to the top ::

Product and Meal Plans:

This service can provide an eligible client with up to 2 meals per day for 7 days a week. The following products are currently available:

1. Boost, a lactose-free supplement provides 240 calories and is high protein.
2. Boost with fiber, a lactose-free supplement with added dietary fiber provides 250 calories.

Eligible client or a representative for them may pick up the liquid nutrition on a monthly basis at the nearest Distribution Center on the designated date and time.

Donation Information:

The Wayne County Senior Services relies on contributions to provide this service. A $10 donation is suggested per case [24 cans per case]. Checks or money orders may be made payable to Wayne County Office of Nutrition Services. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Where to call for more information:
Wayne County Office of Nutrition Services
Ph: 734-727-7357   -or-   800-851-1454

The program is funded by Federal and State funds through the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging and The Senior Alliance, as mandated by the Older Americans' Act, Older Michiganians' Act, and is in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

:: wayne county office of nutrition services ::

:: back to the top ::