James is surrounded by pieces of a wide and open world – self-created portraits of zebras and lions, a bust of Cleopatra and artfully crafted porcelain eggs from Europe fill the walls, shelves and tables of his living space.
Despite being largely homebound, James finds ways to stay connected with the world outside the house he shares with his three tiny zebra finches. Through his painting, his writing and the smile with which he greets his Meals on Wheels care associate each day, James continues to live a full and happy life – a life made just a little better by Meals on Wheels.
“I’m really grateful to Meals on Wheels,” James said. “It’s not always easy to get to the grocery store, and I don’t always have the energy to prepare a proper meal. But with Meals on Wheels, I know I don’t have to worry about those things.”
Before he began receiving meals, James spent a lifetime bringing comfort to others as a psychiatric nurse. When numerous health conditions forced him to leave his job, he found himself on the receiving end of care.
“My doctor suggested Meals on Wheels,” said James, who has come to enjoy not only his daily meals, but his daily visit from Care Associate Jerome.
“Jerome has become a friend,” James said.
Food isn’t the only necessity for someone confined to their home. When James needed help getting his necessary medications, YMOW arranged for delivery from the nearby Kroger pharmacy.
“I had no idea Kroger’s had that option,” said James, who remains grateful to YMOW Client Care Specialist Kim Armstrong for finding a solution to his problem.
“I depend on them a lot,” James said of YMOW – for food, for daily visits and for the comfort of knowing that there is always someone beyond his walls who is willing to lend a hand.