Within a couple of weeks, I found myself unable to prepare meals, get around without a walker, go grocery shopping and totally unable to function as an independent person. I had been told to pay attention to my diet and eat well.

What to do? I couldn’t imagine how I’d survive. (Very dramatic, I know.) So I called Meals on Wheels, signed up and was very surprised at the variety and delicious meals that came to my door weekly, ready for the freezer. I didn’t have to cut, peel or saute, just pop them in the microwave.

This emergency solution was far better than I’d ever imagined, and I suggest if you’re in a “helpless” situation as I was, you try Meals on Wheels! Go to www.smaaa.org and read all about it.

Speaker on Haiti

Lakes Region Senior Center is pleased that Chip Cain, a retired social worker with the Portland School System, will speak on his experiences volunteering at a medical clinic in Ti Rivera, Haiti, at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 31. The Senior Center is located at 40 Acorn St., Gorham. Refreshments will be served. The public is invited. Donations appreciated.

Medicare help?

On Tuesday, June 6, the Southern Maine Agency on Aging will offer a “Welcome to Medicare” seminar at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church at 919 Roosevelt Trail, Windham, from 10 a.m. to noon. In addition to the Medicare seminar, there will be one-on-one Medicare counseling with SHIP volunteers available from 9 a.m. to noon. The counseling will also be available from 9 a.m. to noon June 20.

The seminar and counseling are intended to help you sort through your Medicare options, answer questions – and to help you enroll. In addition to Medicare assistance, counseling on tax and rent rebate, food stamps and fuel assistance can be arranged. Please call the Southern Maine Agency on Aging to register for an upcoming seminar or to make a one-on-one appointment with a SHIP councilor at 396-6500 or 1-800-427-7411.

Seminar walk-ins can usually be accommodated. Further opportunities for these services will occur monthly on the first and third Tuesdays at the same times and location. Visit the website at www.smaaa.org to learn more about the many other services that are available.

Kay Soldier welcomes reader ideas for column topics of interest to seniors. She can be reached by email at [email protected], or write to 114 Tandberg Trail, Windham, ME 04062.