When homebound, people can feel cut off from the world outside their door. Company may be scarce, and trips to the grocery store or market may be impossible. But Meals On Wheels, Inc. of Tarrant County aims to improve the lives of homebound individuals and other people in need through programs that help promote independent living with dignity. Its volunteers provide hot, nutritious meals as well as grocery-shopping services, home repairs, and friendly visits and phone calls. And the organization dives deep into the health of the people it serves. Each of its 4,000-plus clients receives an in-home assessment and quarterly follow-up sessions, and clients can even request private nutritional counseling from a licensed dietitian. What results? In 2012, 91% of Meals On Wheels, Inc. of Tarrant County's clients said the organization's services helped improved their overall quality of life, and 57% believe that they "would not be able to remain living in their own home" without its services.
