After undergoing open heart surgery, Jerry, an older person from Calgary, Alberta, knew he would need some extra help at home. That’s when one of his nurses referred him to Calgary Meals on Wheels’ Going Home program, which provides weekly meals to people who are returning home after a hospital stay.
Thanks to an Age Better grant from HelpAge Canada, Calgary Meals on Wheels was able to give 35 older Calgarians, including Jerry, nutritious meals right to their doorsteps to support their recovery.
“I’m very grateful that when I was down and out, and I couldn’t hardly move, they brought the food right to my door. The meals are nourishing me back to health.”
Today, Jerry is on the mend and receives three meals each week. Something really special about the program is the “My Choice” menu — a service that gives meal recipients flexibility and independence in choosing meals that meet their health needs. For Jerry, that means nutrient-rich meals that are low in sodium to promote good heart health.
Calgary Meals on Wheels brings more than just healthy meals to people in need. An incredibly important aspect of their work is giving people who may be homebound a social touchpoint, checking in on them with a smile and a friendly hello. These weekly moments of friendship are especially meaningful to older adults who benefit from the program.
HelpAge Canada works with community partners from coast to coast to coast, so that older Canadians can access the programs and services they need to thrive, right in their own communities. We’re on a mission to drive local action with and for older people in even more communities across Canada – will you join us by making a gift today?