The Pima Meals on Wheels program addresses hunger and isolation of older adults in Pima County. As more people age past 60, the need is greater than ever! Did you know that Meals on Wheels can serve an older adult for an ENTIRE YEAR for about what it costs to spend one day in the hospital? Learn more about the impact of Meals on Wheels below. Together, We Can Deliver!

Advocating for Food Security for Older Adults

At PCOA, we recognize the pressing issue of food insecurity among older adults, particularly those living on limited social security benefits. The rising costs of living and financial constraints often force older adults to make difficult decisions, including sacrificing meals to cover other essentials.

The Crisis at Hand

Many older adults face the harsh reality of food insecurity daily. With limited financial resources, they are forced to choose between paying for housing, medication, utilities, and food. This tough decision-making process amplifies their vulnerability to hunger and its adverse health effects.

The Role of Advocacy

Advocacy is a crucial tool in addressing the challenges of food insecurity. By raising awareness and urging policymakers to take action, we can create a more supportive environment for older adults facing hunger.

Take Action Today – Your Voice Matters

Your voice holds immense power. Join us in advocating for older adults in our community who are struggling to access nutritious meals. Contact your Representative and urge them to prioritize policies that address food insecurity among older adults. Please also consider joining our Advocacy Alerts e-list and be kept up to date on issues facing our community’s older adults.

Support Pima Meals on Wheels

Your support for Pima Meals on Wheels enables us to deliver nutritious meals directly to the doorsteps of older adults facing food insecurity. With your help, we can continue to combat hunger and ensure that every older adult has access to the nourishment they need. Donate today and help a neighbor!

Together, Let's Make a Difference

Together, we can create a future where every older adult can age with dignity and security. Join us in advocating for a more just and compassionate society where no one faces the harsh reality of food insecurity alone.

Contact your Representatives today and stand with us in the fight against food insecurity for older adults. Thank you for your support.

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to overlook the quiet heroes who work tirelessly to ensure that no one is forgotten. Among these unsung champions is Brenda, a devoted Pima Meals on Wheels driver whose unwavering dedication and compassionate spirit embody the heart of our program. For thirteen years, Brenda has been a driver for Pima Meals on Wheels through Lutheran Social Services of the SW and became involved from a deep-seated desire to support her community’s older adult population. "I love what I do," Brenda says with a smile, reflecting on how rewarding she finds her job. "I get satisfaction that I help our clients through not only delivering meals, but I know that they're doing OK too," Brenda explains, highlighting her commitment to more than just delivering meals. Brenda embodies the spirit of care and connection that defines Pima Meals on Wheels. Many clients enjoy her visits and conversations, appreciating her deliveries beyond just the meals and telling her they miss her when she’s not working. Brenda cherishes the connections she has formed with her clients and states that she also misses their interactions when she's not working. Brenda is more than just a driver—she is a dependable presence for those who are homebound and often lonely. "Making sure they are not forgotten. There is a fine line between driver and relative. I like just getting to know them, really; older people are walking history books," Brenda shares, reflecting on her favorite part of delivering meals. For many clients, the Pima Meals on Wheels deliveries are a lifeline. "I have Parkinson’s so I can’t really cook. This is my main meal. I appreciate it," one client explains, highlighting the crucial role of Pima Meals on Wheels in his life. "It's the recurring happiness in their faces when they open the door and see it's me with their meals," Brenda says. "It never gets old when they open the door and say, 'My day just got a whole lot better,' and it's because of me. It's the memory of knowing that they appreciate me coming to the door, knowing that we stop by and check up on them." As Brenda continues to navigate her familiar routes, she carries with her the legacy of compassion and care that defines Pima Meals on Wheels. With each knock on the door and each smile exchanged, she reaffirms the belief that no one should ever feel forgotten or alone. And for that, we are endlessly grateful. To see a featured video on Brenda and our Meals on Wheels Program, click here.

Help us reduce the waitlist for our community’s home-bound older adults awaiting meal services through Pima Meals on Wheels. Despite budgetary constraints delaying new enrollments, your support now helps us bring relief to those in need. Join us in shortening the waitlist and nourishing our neighbors today.

Help us reduce the waitlist for our community's home-bound older adults awaiting meal services through Pima Meals on Wheels. Despite budgetary constraints delaying new enrollments, your support now helps us bring relief to those in need. Join us in shortening the waitlist and nourishing our neighbors today.

As we approach the close of 2023, I extend sincere gratitude for your steadfast support of PCOA and our mission to enrich the lives of older adults and caregivers in Pima County. Your generosity has been a catalyst for positive changes in countless lives. Allow me to share a compelling story illustrating the direct impact of your support. This narrative encapsulates the essence of our mission and how your dedication shaped the trajectory of a 72-year-old disabled Marine Corps veteran in our community. During a scorching Arizona 114-degree day, Marine Corps veteran Ken faced challenges that he shared on our Facebook page. Responding to our inquiry about how people were coping with the heat, Ken described a recent incident. With only one window air conditioner, he blocked off one room in his house with a heavy blanket to combat the relentless heat by keeping the air conditioning contained. Struggling with numb legs due to a bad disc, Ken collapsed in a room without air conditioning, an experience he likened to the stifling conditions of a closed car. Lying on the floor unable to move due to a debilitating back condition, Ken stated, “I thought I was going to die.” The urgency of Ken’s situation prompted an immediate response from our team. Swiftly, our dedicated staff provided him with a lifeline through our Home Repair program — the installation of an additional air conditioner that made more of his home habitable, symbolizing a chance at a more comfortable, secure life. We didn’t just stop there. Upon discovering that Ken had gone without hot water for two years, we also repaired his water pipes and installed a new hot water heater. This powerful example underscores the transformative results made possible by your advocacy and generosity. Your contributions empower us to not only create systemic change for our community’s older adults but to also address urgent, individual needs, a testament to the impact your commitment has on those who may otherwise feel forgotten. PCOA’s commitment to promoting independence, vitality, and respect is evident in the diverse range of programs we offer. From helping Ken through our Home Repair program to initiatives such as Neighbors Care Alliance (neighbors helping their older neighbors), Dementia Capable of Southern AZ, Pima Meals on Wheels, and our End of Life Care Planning program, we remain dedicated to enhancing the aging experience. Ken’s story, however, goes beyond an individual’s struggle. It points to a growing crisis facing older adults — housing instability. Ken, like many low-income older adults, couldn’t afford the repairs needed to maintain his house. Without assistance from PCOA, Ken stated that he was on the verge of having to leave his home and move to a nursing home. Your support enables us to confront this crisis head-on, preventing housing instability, including the growing homelessness issue among older adults who face substantial increases in expenses like rent (Arizona leads the nation in increased rent prices since the start of the pandemic – a 40% increase!), utilities and groceries. Your continued generosity empowers us to proactively assist those in need and engage with community partners to explore impactful solutions. In this season of giving and gratitude, we ask for your support to help us continue this vital work for our older community members. Your tax-deductible donation will directly impact the lives of older adults in Pima County, like Ken, ensuring they receive essential services, support, and advocacy.

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First Blog Post

Unforeseen natural occurrences like hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards can necessitate swift evacuation or the need to stay put under challenging circumstances. Prior knowledge of emergency protocols is vital to ensure safety in such situations. For older adults residing within communities, encountering emergencies presents its own set of challenges. These challenges may include limited mobility, persistent health conditions, or lack of nearby family or friends for support. Services typically available, such as caregiver assistance, in-home healthcare, and meal deliveries, might be temporarily unavailable. Furthermore, advanced age-related obstacles such as hearing or vision impairments, as well as cognitive limitations, might hinder one's ability to comprehend and respond to emergency instructions. It is prudent for either the older adult or their caregiver to be well-prepared for potential emergencies through the creation, regular review, and practice of a comprehensive plan, alongside the maintenance of an emergency supply kit. Developing a Plan: Step one in preparing for emergencies involves crafting a personalized plan. Collaborate with friends, family, and neighbors to design a plan tailored to your specific needs. Select a designated contact person responsible for checking on your well-being during emergencies, and establish reliable communication methods such as phone calls or door knocking. Consider discussing the formation of a mutual check-in system with neighbors. Compile a list of contact details for friends and family; keep one copy near your phones and include another in your Emergency Supply Kit. Devise a clear evacuation strategy and determine safe destinations. If you reside in a retirement or assisted living community, familiarize yourself with established emergency procedures. Keep easily accessible copies of exit routes and designated meeting spots. Draft a care plan and maintain a duplicate within your Emergency Supply Kit. The CDC provides a user-friendly care plan template for reference. For individuals requiring medical assistance, transportation, or special accommodations during emergencies, enrolling in services like SMART911, Code Red, or your local county registry is recommended. These services aid first responders in identifying and assisting those in immediate need. Assembling an Emergency Supply Kit In the aftermath of an emergency, access to clean water and electricity might be disrupted. It's essential to have a self-sufficient stockpile of sustenance, water, and essentials to sustain yourself for approximately 72 hours. Visit Ready.gov for a comprehensive checklist of essential items for your Disaster Supply Kit. Health-Related Essentials: Maintain a minimum 3-day supply of necessary medications. If specific medications require refrigeration, ensure the availability of a cooler and ice packs. Wear an identification band that includes your complete name, contact details for a family member or caregiver, and any pertinent allergies. Keep spare batteries for hearing aids, as well as a case for eyeglasses or contact lenses and suitable contact solution. Include medical supplies like syringes or additional batteries as needed. Record information about medical devices, such as wheelchair or walker specifics, oxygen requirements, and vendor information.

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