“When you can’t take care of yourself, you really, really appreciate those who go out of their way to help you.”

Patricia Greenlee, of Ada, Okla., sums up why employees of the Chickasaw Nation Division of Aging Homebound Nutrition Services program work day after day to provide homebound elders nutritious lunches.

Mrs. Greenlee, like many elders in the Chickasaw Nation service area, needs assistance in many aspects of her life due to illness and injury. The 63-year-old lives alone and has to lie flat on her back due to a bad knee and complications following surgery to remove cancer.

She can’t drive, so tasks like making or picking up lunch are nearly impossible for her.

“They are always so kind and helpful,” Mrs. Greenlee said, “and the food is delicious. You just can’t ask for more than that.”

Though the program began in Ada nearly 10 years ago, each senior site now delivers lunches every weekday along a homebound route.

“This really is a good service to connect and check up on our seniors,” said Benny Wallace, manager of the Ada area senior site.

Wallace recalled a time when a route driver encountered a citizen who had just suffered a stroke.

“If we hadn’t have found them, they would’ve been there all weekend without help,” he said.

Jerry Cacy, one of 14 delivery drivers, said the connection drivers made with the seniors is as important as the meals they serve.

“People won’t always tell you when something is wrong,” Cacy said. “We have to really listen to them and be observant to make sure they’re really okay.”

The service is for Native Americans ages 60 and over. Eligibility is based on level of disability and independence. Homebound nutrition is also available on a temporary basis for elders who are recovering from illness or surgery.

For more information on the homebound nutrition services, contact the Madill Senior Office at (580) 795-9790.