Our Senior Center director received a frantic call from a woman who was looking for a place for her father, Max, to go during the day. He had suffered a stroke two years ago and had become severely depressed. His wife was still working full-time, and she could not leave Max alone any longer.

Max could manage his own medications, but his speech was compromised and he wouldn’t talk to anyone anymore—including his family. He was losing interest in everything. Max didn’t need a lot of care, but he desperately needed to be engaged in life.

Max’s oldest daughter took him to our Senior Center for a visit, and was delighted to see that he showed some interest in the activities. This was the first time in two years she had seen a glimpse of who her father used to be. He liked the warm food and got a kick out of Johnny Ray Gomez’s musical show—that day’s special entertainment.

Max decided to join our Senior Center and began attending every weekday. He has made several friends and enjoys playing card games with them and going on the scheduled outings. Nowadays, Max smiles often and responds well to people who talk to him. He is eager to tell newcomers, “The Heartland Family Service Senior Center saved my life.”

Max has improved so much that he was recently able to join his family on an overseas vacation to his homeland. Before he attended the Center, no one in his family believed that he would be able to join them on this very special trip. But Max has “returned” home again, and has found a renewed sense of life.

For more information, click here to learn more about the Heartland Family Service Senior Center or contact the Senior Center Program Director, Karen Sides, at ksides@HeartlandFamilySerive.org or (402) 553-5300.