When Tim Bowens reached out for help, he was hoping for something simple: a meal he could safely eat during the day.
Living with progressive multiple sclerosis, Tim has limited use of one hand and now uses a wheelchair. Opening food containers is difficult. Even heating a meal can be dangerous.
“It’s hard to operate the microwave,” Tim said. “If I heat food and can’t get it out, it could fall or burn me.”
Some days, he lived on a packet of crackers while waiting for someone to come home and prepare something more.
Tim was 31 when he was diagnosed with MS. He was still working when his coworkers noticed him struggling to walk and dragging his foot. They encouraged him to see a doctor, but Tim admits he did not want to face what he suspected was happening. His mother had also lived with MS.
“I sort of knew,” he said. “I just didn’t want to face it.”
As the disease progressed, Tim’s mobility declined and everyday tasks became increasingly difficult. He was struggling to live safely at home and felt overwhelmed by the pressure his needs placed on his family. After facing repeated denials while trying to find assistance, Tim connected with Senior Resources of West Michigan.
Senior Resources helped Tim navigate the application process and access the MI Choice Waiver. Through the program, he receives coordinated support designed around his needs, including in-home assistance, essential supplies, Meals on Wheels and a personal emergency response button. His supports coordinator, Haylie Jensen, helps ensure those services continue working together so Tim can remain safely in his own home.
The in-home assistance helps with everyday needs that have become difficult because of his MS, while essential supplies help him manage his care at home. The emergency response pendant gave Tim added security when no one else is there.
Before receiving the pendant, he worried about falling from his wheelchair and being unable to get help until someone returned home. Now, assistance is only the press of a button away.
Through the MI Choice Waiver, Tim also began receiving Meals on Wheels from AgeWell Services. The meals help him eat well, maintain his strength and avoid the risks of trying to prepare food on his own.
“It’s such a blessing to be able to get decent food,” Tim said. “Honestly, I was hoping for just a little bit of food help, but now I get so much more.”
Tim’s Meals on Wheels deliveries also bring a welcome visitor. Three days a week, his regular driver, Corine, arrives with his meals, a big smile and, occasionally, a special treat.
“She brightens up my day every time she comes walking through that door,” Tim said with a smile.
Corine, who has delivered Meals on Wheels for more than five years, looks forward to seeing Tim just as much.
“Tim brightens my day, too,” she said. “When I miss my day to deliver to him, I’m thinking, I sure hope the other drivers take good care of him.”
Their visits are brief, but there is always time for conversation and a laugh.
Together, these supports have made Tim’s daily life safer and more manageable. They have also eased the strain on his family and given them greater peace of mind. That is especially meaningful to the proud father of two children serving in the Navy. Tim loves knowing they can pursue their dreams while he receives dependable support at home.
What began as a request for help with lunch opened the door to the services Tim needed to continue living safely at home.
“This program has exceeded my expectations,” Tim said. “It has been life-changing for me and my family.”
