At 87, Alma’s house is more than four walls—it’s a living scrapbook of her life. The shelves are lined with family photos, heirlooms, and treasures collected over the decades. In her studio, her easel stands ready for painting lessons with the students she welcomes into her home. Alma is not only an artist but also an author and a cook who has always found joy in nourishing others.
But as the years went on, living alone grew harder. Alma doesn’t drive, so friends helped her get to the grocery store. Still, using a walker made shopping exhausting, and she sometimes kept food past its expiration date—once leading to a frightening bout of food poisoning. Then came the falls. Several in a short period of time, the last sending her to the hospital.
Her family in Tucson began to worry constantly. A social worker suggested what no one wanted to hear: that Alma might need to leave her beloved home for assisted living. The thought devastated her. Alma wanted to remain surrounded by her memories, her paintings, and her students.
The social worker offered another idea—support in the home, including nutritious daily meals through TCAA’s Meals on Wheels Program. At first, Alma hesitated. She loved cooking and wasn’t sure she needed someone else to do it for her. But she realized accepting the program meant she could keep the independence she cherished most: staying at home.
The change was remarkable. Alma’s nephew, John, shared:
“Aunt Alma is happier, healthier, and stronger. She’s even sharper cognitively. The program has given our family peace of mind, and we believe it is adding to her lifespan.”
Thanks to Meals on Wheels, Alma still paints, still teaches, and still lives in the home she loves—safely and with dignity.
If you, a loved one, or a neighbor could benefit from Meals on Wheels, please reach out. You can learn more about the program click here.
If you’d like to donate to help individuals like Alma click here.
