The volunteer driver was delivering a meal to the Tedder St, St Kilda, resident at 12.38pm yesterday, when she became concerned the resident was not answering her door.
''She couldn't get into the house, so she called police and ambulance. When we got there, the person was discovered in need of medical assistance,'' Senior Sergeant Brian Benn said yesterday.
The incident highlighted the importance of keeping an eye on elderly neighbours, Snr Sgt Benn said.
''It's good stuff. Checking on your neighbours is what a community is all about.''
Delivering a hot meal was ''just part of the service'', Age Concern meals on wheels co-ordinator Kristen Beardsmore said yesterday.
''It's also about that check in. It's about saying 'hello'.
"If they make no contact, the driver will contact us and we report to the hospital co-ordinator. If the driver finds someone unwell they will call an ambulance,'' she said.
''For some people, meals on wheels drivers are the only people they ever see.''
Age Concern meals on wheels delivered about 200 meals a day in Dunedin, Mrs Beardsmore said.
