It wasn’t that long ago that Ms. Ethel McGaughey was a nursing home resident. After having both legs amputated due to a medical condition, Ms. McGaughey found herself in a nursing home, unable to live independently. Like many of the elderly in our community, despite living independently, Ms. McGaughey had the loving support of her family. But her recent amputations had left her unable to prepare meals for herself while her family worked to support themselves.
While staying in the nursing home, a friend mentioned the Faulkner County Senior Citizens Center Meals on Wheels Program. Right away, Ms. Gaughey called the center and signed up to receive home-delivered meals at her house. It wasn’t long after signing up for Meals on Wheels that Ms. McGaughey was able to return home and begin caring for herself once again.
Today, Ms. McGaughey is living happily independent thanks to the Meals on Wheels Program funded in part by United Way of Central Arkansas. Without the Meals on Wheels Program, Ms. McGaughey believes she would still be living in a nursing home, unable to care for herself. She also believes that sometimes, independence comes in the form of assistance, and today she is an active advocate for United Way of Central Arkansas and programs like Meals on Wheels.
Watch our 2011 Campaign video below to hear Ms. McGaughey share her story of success!