For much of her life, Li Zhi Zhao has been someone who puts others first. Li Zhi worked tirelessly as a caregiver for seniors in her community struggling to live independently. Then in 2016 she moved to the United States to care for her adult son who became disabled after a car accident. Her nonstop caregiving left her with little time to care for herself, and she became overwhelmed with stress. “I was confused and felt hopeless,” she tearfully shared. Li Zhi struggled with loneliness in a new country, feeling like her identity was tied only to caring for others. 

Li Zhi and her husband began visiting AACI Health Center for regular doctor appointments. They enjoyed AACI’s welcoming atmosphere and how the staff warmly interacted with them during every visit. After one of their regular appointments, Li Zhi came across a friend who introduced her to the AACI Senior Wellness Program (SWP). 

That fateful day transformed her and her husband’s lives. 

After enrolling in SWP, Li Zhi and her husband immediately started utilizing the program’s services in their day-to-day lives. As retirees with no income, Li Zhi and her husband have come to depend on the free hot, nutritious meals provided to seniors throughout the week. 

Over braised tofu and hot tea and surrounded by staff and seniors who spoke her language, Li Zhi opened up about how she had been feeling over the last few years. She was met with compassion from her newfound community, specifically recalling that Eunice, the Program Manager, knew the family’s situation and supported them however she could. 

“She continued to take care of me by checking in and asking if I was doing well. She always made me feel hopeful and like someone cared. No matter what issue I face, I felt hopeful because the SWP team was helpful.” 

On one occasion, Eunice arranged an appointment between Li Zhi and a healthcare Counselor to help enroll her in Medi-Cal. Upon approval, Li Zhi’s coverage was able to be backdated, resolving thousands of dollars in old medical expenses and alleviating the couple of a major financial strain. 

The AACI team continued to show unwavering care. When Li Zhi was hospitalized, the staff delivered meals to her. After her husband’s bike was stolen, AACI helped her find transportation and even assisted in getting a new bike. Beyond practical support, Li Zhi found joy in the workshops at AACI such as group exercise, fall prevention, home safety, and cultural celebrations like Lunar New Year.   

For the first time in years, Li Zhi felt like more than a caregiver; she felt like herself again. She shared, “Since being at AACI, I feel really relieved and more confident in my abilities. I know that AACI will take care of me, and I know who to ask for help when I need it. AACI really creates a happy and warm environment for seniors while they are here.” 

Today, Li Zhi’s life looks completely different. She feels connected, supported, and empowered. She has introduced four new friends to the program and continues to thrive in her newfound community. “AACI is like a big family,” she says with gratitude.  

From isolation and self-sacrifice to friendship and renewed purpose, AACI helped her rediscover joy and belonging—proving that no one should have to face life’s challenges alone.

To learn more about AACI Senior Wellness Program, please visit www.aaci.org/wellness/senior/.