“I have vascular disease, and because of that, I had to have one leg removed. Before that, I cooked for anybody and everybody who wanted me to cook,” says Inez McLean, who’s made her home in Aroostook County, Maine, for most of her life.

At an early age, she learned the value of hard work and cutting your coat according to your cloth.

“Give me a recipe,” Inez jokes. “I'll make a meal out of it. It’s just in my head from growing up with my mom, being a country girl and not having much to come and go on; you have to make do.”

Loving people, showing kindness, and nurturing relationships shape how she moves through the world. “That's what gets me to stay around here. It's community.”

A caring community is what she needs now more than ever.

FACING CHALLENGES

Because of her vascular disease, which limits the healthy blood circulation necessary to heal, years ago, an accidental gash below her knee from shaving became a life-threatening ulcer and, unfortunately, claimed her right leg. She now requires the use of a wheelchair, walker, electric scooter and consistent physical therapy to maintain her mobility as an amputee.  

Inez is facing the reality that she’ll never regain her prior balance, which, she knows firsthand, increases the likelihood of falls. The danger of falls for older adults is intensified; it's the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries in people 65 years of age and older, and are the primary cause of hospitalization related to injury. 

Regular meal delivery for seniors aging at home can mean quicker emergency response times when falls happen and more individuals present, more consistently, to play a critical role in observing and addressing safety hazards in the home.

“I've been in physical therapy for a year to learn to walk on this leg, and I can do it, but I'm afraid to do it alone. I've [already] fallen and broken [my other] leg and hip.”

She benefits from the regular care of her niece, a registered nurse. She values her independence but also keeps family and friends close. Her two kids—a son and daughter—grandchildren and niece are never too far away.

Though, she still suffers from loneliness, especially in the winter. 

Before Meals on Wheels, while adapting to life as an amputee, nourishment didn’t come as regularly, and she lost 32 pounds. 

With the onset of COVID-19, the number of older adults seeking assistance from Meals on Wheels increased. Waitlists are the only way for many programs to manage the increased demand. However, waiting can have consequences for seniors. 

“You had to have patience [on the waitlist],” Inez says. “You had to wait it out and find something to eat. I ate a lot of takeout.” 

It’s a challenging adjustment for a woman who used to be able to bake a cake in 30 minutes and loves the smell of fresh bread. Her most constant companions are her kitchen and a beloved collection of family recipes, like lasagna, which evokes memories of big, warm family gatherings during the holidays.

THE POWER OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Today, she receives a biweekly delivery of 10 frozen nutritious meals, two loaves of bread and a half gallon of milk from Meals on Wheels. She especially loves the spicy options.

“I like anything that's got a little heat to it,” Inez says. “They have that Thai coconut chicken with the jasmine rice. I like it. Some seniors might not because it is hot, but I like it.” 

She also enjoys the generous portion of vegetables and the freshness of the frozen meals. That is high praise from someone who spent a lifetime cooking for others.

Don, an adored member of her church, delivers her meals.

“He knows everybody,” Inez says. “I'm sure everybody he takes a meal to will get at least one launch out of him. He is wonderful. I love Don.”

It’s a full-circle moment for someone who’s put so much heart and soul into her community.

Beyond the meals, these small moments of kindness, humor and socialization with a familiar face help combat her loneliness and make her feel that even at 70, there’s a life out there to seize.

RECONNECTING WITH COOKING

The meals keep her healthy and strong enough to sharpen her culinary skills.  

The cooking and baking process is slower, and the threat of burning herself means she has to move thoughtfully and knead her bread more intentionally. Still, after being removed from the Meals on Wheels waitlist after a year, she regained some of her independence, the tenacity that’s made her a rebel her whole life (she’s got the piercings and tattoos to prove it), and rediscovered how joyous watching a recipe come to life can be. 

She savors the flavors, aromas and the sense of accomplishment and refuses to let her disability limit her. 

Having her nutritional needs met by her local Meals on Wheels, reconnecting with her love of cooking, and the cherished moments of companionship remind her of what matters most: gratitude, kindness and growth, even at an advanced age. 

“I have had a full life,” Inez says. “I don't want to go anywhere, but when my time comes, I want people to know I love my family and community.”

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Every year, Meals on Wheels serves over 2 million seniors, but that’s only a fraction of those in need. We have a plan to End the Wait and ensure that every senior who needs Meals on Wheels gets it. View how you can help End the Wait.