Targeting of home-delivered meals programs to older adults in the United States.

The Home-Delivered Meals Program (HDM) is an essential component of home-and community-based services available through the National Aging Service Network in the United States. It has the potential to help delay institutionalization and stem rising health care costs for older Americans; little is known, however, about the targeting practices used for HDM. A nationally representative telephone survey of state and local program providers showed that a variety of outreach measures were being employed, but challenges such as inadequate resources, waiting lists, rural delivery, and misconceptions about the program require resolution to ensure optimal service outcomes.