Loving

Senior Care

By Lakendra Lewis

headra “Cookie” Curry learned early in life the importance of respecting the elderly by bringing food and care to those in need.

As a teenager, Curry began volunteering with Meals on Wheels—a program delivering meals to people who are unable to buy or prepare a meal on their own, many of whom are older adults. In 1974, with her father, Cookie was one of the founding members of the HOA – Meals on Wheels program started in Sealy.

Decades later, Curry is the executive director of the program and still a believer in the importance of HOA, which stands for “Helping One Another.” “That was the drive behind me volunteering and going on to work here - and I’m still loving it,” Curry said.

As one of the key programs offered to senior citizens of Austin County, HOA plays a pivotal role in the community, offering two types of meal service: congregate and home-delivered.

Congregate meals are eaten in a group setting allowing for social interaction. Those over 60 gather to play games, have parties and build a sense of community. Colorado Valley Transit provides free rides for Austin and Waller County seniors to HOA’s congregate location on Frydek Road. A fare card is required. Congregate meals are served at noon Monday through Friday free of charge, with donations accepted.

Home-delivered meals are delivered to homebound seniors over 60 who are unable to prepare a noon meal for themselves due to a disability. Meals are delivered Monday through Friday and are free, with donations accepted.

In addition to a hot, nutritionally balanced meal, HOA volunteers deliver vital human contact to older adults who live alone and may not have any living relatives or family close by. Volunteers also conduct welfare checks when needed.

“Many seniors are on a very fixed income. Some have lost a spouse and they’re living now on one income, which puts a strain on finances, so they’re able to get one hot meal a day and have physical contact, talk to somebody, see somebody - a face to check on them,” Curry said. “We are a daily contact that lets them know, we care.”

Trio Community Meals, a nationwide vendor of healthy meals to seniors and people with disabilities, supplies the meals HOA provides its seniors. All meals consist of meat, two vegetables, bread, milk, and a dessert that is overseen by a dietician who creates a monthly menu. Those with food allergies or other dietary concerns can request substitutions.

HOA also offers other health services, including telephone reassurance, caregiver respite, emergency response systems, health screening & monitoring, home modifications, and legal and personal assistance.

Comprised of a small paid staff of five, HOA receives referrals for its services from hospitals, medical offices and home health organizations, as well as friends, family and neighbors.