Meals on Wheels takes on the isolation of COVID-19

By Michael Girgis

Larry likes to keep busy throughout the day. As a former carpenter, he has designed, built and renovated a number of projects around his home. He personally renovated the flooring and the walls of his house and he has built the fencing, the roof and even an addition to the garage! “I’ve just always had a knack for handiwork,” he says. At 83 years of age, he remains an avid horseshoe and dart player. In fact, Larry played these sports at an international level and remains incredibly passionate about them. He had the pleasure of working at Expo ʼ86 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

As a Meals on Wheels/La Popote roulante client since 2014, he enjoys the quality of the food that he gets every weekday.

“The meals are handy all around…I’m not a cook and I can do just about everything else, but when it comes to cooking, I just can’t do it.” For Larry, these meals mean so much more than simply saving him from his own cooking skills! His favourite part about the meals was enjoying them with his loving wife of 40 years. “We did absolutely everything together; gosh I really miss her.”

Larry may not be representative of a typical client who may need multiple supports at home but, with Meals on Wheels, he is able to get the nutrition he needs and see a friendly face. Larry has found himself to be quite lonesome over the past six years with the passing of his wife. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the issue as he rarely leaves his home. Often, his only point of contact in a day is the caring check-in of the Meals on Wheels volunteers.

“They’re great. I appreciate what they’re doing. I just think they’re doing a heck of a job – these volunteers.” The meal program goes a long way to making sure he can continue to do all the activities he loves – where he loves to do them – in his own home.

Sadly, his previous interactions with the long-term care system, where his mother used to live, were not positive. “I hated seeing her in that place and I lamented visiting.” The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the crucial importance of programs like Meals on Wheels in offering seniors an alternative. “I’ve been in my house for 50 years. It’s in a beautiful locale and I can’t see myself living anywhere else.”

Founded in 1968 and being a registered charity, Meals on Wheels offers the lowest price for delivered complete hot meals in the city. Its role as a partner in the health care system has been underscored by the critical function it has served during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its service observed a 25 per cent increase in demand for meals during 2020, for a total of 120,000 meals delivered to over 1,647 seniors and adults with disabilities, a monthly average of over 20 of whom reside in The Glebe.

How is this done? With the help of a dedicated team of over 320 volunteers! These volunteers have carried us throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Meals on Wheels initially lost approximately 80 per cent of its volunteer base, in part due to guidance urging people over 70 to stay safe at home. It was hectic adapting to the ever-changing information, protocols and need to virtually recruit many new volunteers. Our staff worked long hours to cover all the routes and bring onboard many new volunteers who stepped forward to respond to the need. With the help of our amazing volunteer team, we were able to ensure that everyone was fed, even as our essential service surged. Over time, some of our previous volunteers have returned and we are hopeful to see more of them come back soon. Many of them are taking a very well-deserved break this summer and, as a result, there is a critical need for more volunteers at this time to support clients like Larry in maintaining their independence. When asked what he would say to someone thinking of getting Meals on Wheels, he replied, “It’s pretty easy-going, great for older people! It grants me flexibility; I only occasionally go out for groceries now.”

If you or someone you know would benefit from the Meals on Wheels service, or if you would like to volunteer with us, please call (613) 233-2424. If you would like to donate to help our clients, please visit our website at mealsonwheels-ottawa.org.

Michael Girgis is the marketing and outreach assistant with Meals on Wheels.