For Susan Dahl and her partner, Leo Meegan, getting together with friends for lunch at the Durango/La Plata Senior Center was a daily ritual that lasted years.

But after the senior center closed its doors March 13 because of the coronavirus outbreak, Dahl and Meegan had to adjust to a life limited more to their home. But they’ve made due.

“Of course, we miss the camaraderie of the people there,” Dahl said. “But a lot of us are still calling each other, especially people who live alone. And, we’ve been getting meals delivered to our home, so we’re really grateful.”

Indeed, senior center staff have ramped up delivery service for seniors who were asked to quarantine during the outbreak, said Vicki Maestas, center director.

Before the pandemic, the senior center delivered about 600 meals a week to seniors through the Meals on Wheels program. Now, that number is well over 1,000 meals, Maestas said.

“We’re seeing an increase of people who would usually come to the center that are now at home that need deliveries,” she said. “But we’re also seeing new seniors requesting Meals on Wheels.”

The senior center is known for its variety of services and events, including writing groups, technology education, exercise classes such as yoga and tai chi, and counseling about topics like Medicare.

But after the coronavirus outbreak, Maestas said the senior center had to cut those programs and focus on its most important role.

“When we began to look at what was essential, it was obvious the Meals on Wheels to seniors was our most essential job function,” she said.

A kitchen crew of about eight people cook the meals, which include meats, salad, vegetables, bread and a dessert like a pudding or fruit. Meals are free, but the senior center asks for a $4 donation.

The senior center also has partnered with Southwest Center for Independence to deliver premade meal kits.

Deliveries are on a staggered schedule for two routes, which range all over La Plata County. Drivers wear masks, leave the meals near a person’s door, then knock to let them know.

Mary Shaw said Meals on Wheels is a great way help to her and her husband, Joe, who want to make limited trips to grocery stores.

Seniors are considered one of the most vulnerable populations to the coronavirus. As a result, many grocery stores in the area – such as City Market, Albertsons and Natural Grocers – offer special shopping hours just for seniors.

But the senior center’s deliveries play an integral part in limiting those trips, Mary Shaw said.

“When you get to be this age, and you’ve cooked all your life, you’re ready to just enjoy food without having to cook,” she said.

Since the outbreak, the senior center has also offered something new – “reassurance calls” – to check in with seniors who may be feeling isolated since the shutdown.

Maestas said about five of the center’s staff reach out to more than 200 seniors, just to check in.

“During this time, when everyone is required to social-distance, it’s critical we continue to strengthen relationships by connecting with one another,” she said. “We don’t want our seniors to feel alone.”

Staff expected conversations would be a quick five- to 10-minute check-in, but Maestas said calls average about 20 minutes.

“People want to have that connection,” she said. “They want to talk about their family or what’s going on in the world. They just really need that interaction.”

Mary Shaw said she regularly checks in with her friends from the senior center. The shutdown has been easier for her, having her husband at home. But it’s harder on single people.

“We’re adjusting pretty good – at least we’re not at each other’s throats yet,” Shaw joked. “But you do what you have to do.”

Dahl said she looks forward to the day when she and all her friends can meet back up.

“The senior center is a real important part of our lives, for so many reasons, not just the food,” she said. “But the food is really what brings people together.”

jromeo@durangoherald.com