Before becoming a Southern Maine Agency on Aging Money Minders volunteer, Cheryl was a Tax-Aide counselor for ten years. During COVID, she was part of a small team of Tax-Aide volunteers offering pop-up, walk-in sessions to help community members with
In this month’s Nutrition Education article, SMAA Meals on Wheels Dietician, Elizabeth Varga, shares “Immunity Boosting Tips to Take You into the New Year.” As we head into the new year with the cold winter weather, you may be wondering
Eleanor lives alone in rural Acton. Because of ongoing health issues, she can no longer drive, and there is no public transportation in town. She cannot get to the grocery store or into town for basic needs. Most days, she
Honey came into Geni’s life in a way she never expected. It had been 8 years since her last cat passed, and she didn’t think she could love again. One day at the shelter, she noticed Honey right away –
Many older adults live alone, and for some, days can pass without a meaningful conversation. Without regular connection, loneliness can quietly take hold. After returning to Maine and securing housing following a period of homelessness, Nancy found herself living alone
In this month’s Nutrition Education article, SMAA Meals on Wheels Dietician, Elizabeth Varga, shares “Budget Friendly, Shelf-Stable Recipes.” Budget Friendly, Shelf-Stable Recipes The following recipes use shelf-stable ingredients or items commonly found at your local food pantry. Feel free to
Across Southern Maine, volunteers at the Southern Maine Agency on Aging are creating moments of connection, comfort, and care for older adults. Their experiences reflect the many ways kindness can take shape — through a meal, a conversation, a shared
Over the past year, Southern Maine Agency on Aging has experienced one of the most significant periods of growth in its history – an expansion driven by one clear goal: ensuring that older adults across Southern Maine can access the
“Going Dancing”: How the Sam L. Cohen Adult Day Program Supported Lucille and her Family When their mother, Muriel, was diagnosed with dementia four years ago, a close-knit family of siblings found themselves navigating new territory. “We’re very fortunate,” Lucille
Your gift today will help the next older Mainer rediscover that same spark of connection. Donate Today The day Frank first walked through our doors, his son, Craig, held his breath. For years, Frank’s world had grown smaller. Dementia had
In this month’s Nutrition Education article, SMAA Meals on Wheels Dietician, Elizabeth Varga, shares about, “The Power of Omega-3s.” Omega-3 fatty acids are unsaturated fats, or “good fats,” that provide significant health benefits when consumed regularly. They are best known
The Southern Maine Agency on Aging (SMAA) not only provides services for older adults and caregivers, but also serves as a public advocate. Area Agencies on Aging monitor and comment on policies that affect older people. We share resources like
In this month’s Nutrition Education article, SMAA Meals on Wheels Dietician, Elizabeth Varga, shares how to utilize apples and pears this fall. You’ve heard the phrase, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Well, fall is the perfect time
Tuesday is Meals on Wheels day for the Berthiaume household. Tuesdays this month were marked with a bit of extra pride as one of our favorite married couples—Debbie and Steve— donned their new Meals on Wheels volunteer t-shirts! The Berthiaume
When Mike was diagnosed with dementia in 2018, his wife, Karen, of 36 years found herself stepping into the role of full-time caregiver. For a while, the couple managed at home. But as Mike’s needs increased, even short errands became
