George
George was never much of a cook. After losing his wife, his ability to drive and much of his eyesight, canned beans and cold cereal became staples in his diet.
“I’d sometimes eat them three times a day,” the 74-year-old Vietnam Veteran and EMU graduate said.
“Someone at church told me about Meals on Wheels,” George said. And he’s grateful that they did. Since receiving Meals on Wheels, George’s diet is healthier and much more interesting. With nutrition that he couldn’t get from a can or a box, George now has the strength and energy to care for himself and uses A-Ride to go to the gym a couple of times each week.
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Exercise helps to build up an appetite, so he’s eating more, too.
“Before Meals on Wheels, I would eat irregularly,” George said. Now, he knows there’s always something to eat. Beans and cereal are now a supplement rather than a staple.
George said he also feels less alone since he started receiving Meals on Wheels. He enjoys the friendly visits that come with every delivery, and he’s also enjoying ElliQ. His table-top robot companion provided by Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels plays music, tells jokes, and even helps him to stay healthy with reminders to do his breathing exercises.
“I’m very grateful,” George said of the food and companionship provided by Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels.
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CHRISTINE
Christine’s battle with a debilitating autoimmune disease began many years ago, but it wasn’t until the pandemic began that she turned to YMOW for help. Shopping and preparing food was already difficult, the 69-year-old said. The need to protect herself from COVID made it nearly impossible.
At the suggestion of her doctor, Christine called Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels. Having meals delivered to her door meant Christine could stay safe while getting the nutrition her body needs, and she soon learned of the many other ways YMOW supports homebound seniors like herself.
Christine’s chocolate lab, Callie, receives food, leaving her with more dollars to put toward her own medical expenses. She’s also worked with YMOW’s clinical and social work team to make changes to her bathroom, and YMOW’s occupational therapist gave her exercises to strengthen her hands.
“All of that makes a huge difference in my everyday life,” she said. “They truly care about making my life better. I feel like I have support. I really feel like I’m more a part of the community.”
MARK
Receiving help from Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels isn’t always about aging comfortably. Sometimes, it’s about gaining the strength to get back to living.
When Mark suffered a serious leg injury and resulting infection in 2020, he knew it would impact his ability to get around. What he didn’t know is that it also would limit his access to food. Even standing at the microwave was painful, and driving was out of the question. Other options for getting food to his table were just too expensive. .
“I would just go without,” the 71-year-old said. But without proper nutrition, Mark’s leg was unlikely to heal. Meanwhile, the isolation caused by his injury was causing him to feel depressed.
“It was a struggle. It’s always an option just to give up,” he said.
Show more... But Mark didn’t give up. Instead, he took the advice of an acquaintance and called Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels. YMOW, Mark said, gave him everything he needed to literally get back on his feet. In addition to nutrition, knowing that someone would visit each Monday, Wednesday and Friday gave him something to look forward to and an important reminder that he was not alone. “The people were just really nice, and they made me feel part of something. It gave me a little hope that there are people who care,” he said. After several months of service from Meals on Wheels, Mark was well enough not only to cook for himself, but to get a part-time job. After experiencing homelessness following his accident, he now has his own place to live and is gaining even more strength as he visits the gym several times a week. “I was trying to do it myself, and it was nearly impossible,” Mark said. “There are probably a lot of people out there who need help and are too embarrassed to ask for it.” But receiving meals literally saved his life, Mark said, and gave him hope to get to where he is today. “You feel like Mother is home when you get a meal,” he said. “It was something I could count on.” Show less...
