When David was 63, his life changed in an instant.
A hemorrhagic stroke left him with lasting health challenges, including short-term memory loss. At the time, David was living outside the United States. Without access to the rehabilitation services he needed, he eventually returned to Maine to begin rebuilding his life.
Today, David lives alone in subsidized housing, relying on a network of supports that help him remain safe, healthy, and connected. Among those supports is Southern Maine Agency on Aging’s Meals on Wheels program.
Since his stroke, David can no longer safely cook for himself. Living alone and managing short-term memory loss, preparing meals can be a challenge. Meals on Wheels provides ready-to-heat meals that help him continue living safely at home.
“My brother really appreciates the meals. Knowing he has a nutritious meal a day gives me peace of mind,” said Lorry, David’s sister and caregiver.
“David feels more secure receiving these meals weekly because he can no longer cook for himself,” she added. “They’re easy for him to heat up in the microwave, which is a much safer option for him.”
In addition to the meals, Lorry appreciates knowing that a volunteer is stopping by each week to deliver them. Even a brief wellness check provides another layer of reassurance that someone is checking in on her brother.
For David, the program offers more than convenience. As a former environmental writer, he has long been passionate about environmental issues and sustainability. One detail he especially appreciates is that the meal trays are recyclable, allowing him to continue making environmentally conscious choices in his daily life.
David is also a lifelong food enthusiast who pays close attention to labels. He enjoys reading them and often shares his thoughts about the food with Lorry. Southern Maine Agency on Aging partners with Birch Stream Farms to provide fresh, nutritious meals, including options that accommodate a variety of dietary needs and preferences.
“He raves about them,” Lorry said. “He says they’re so creative, they’re so delicious, and they come up with great combinations. He loves the quality of the meals.”
Southern Maine Agency on Aging has supported David and Lorry in other ways as well, connecting them with senior companion services, in-home supports, and community resources. For Lorry, one of the most meaningful connections has been learning about the caregiver support group.
As David’s primary support, Lorry often navigates the challenges of caregiving on her own. Although she has only recently begun attending the group, she appreciates having a place to connect with others facing similar experiences, share advice, and learn from people who understand the responsibilities and emotions that come with caring for a loved one.
Located at Southern Maine Agency on Aging’s new Portland Center, the group is one of many opportunities designed to support caregivers and strengthen community connections. For Lorry, knowing this resource is available close to home has been reassuring, and she plans to continue attending when she can.
“They gave me a list of different resources and connected us with agencies that could help,” Lorry said. “It’s been a relief to me as a caregiver.”
For David, it means continuing to live safely at home while enjoying meals he genuinely looks forward to each day.
“It helps him continue living safely at home,” Lorry said. “And that means a lot to both of us.”
