Southeast News, October 2005
Why I Volunteer for Southeast Seniors
I love volunteering, especially for a neighborhood organization that does so much good for the community, and Southeast Seniors is wonderful. I started out volunteering because I wanted to help, but I have gotten so much back from my experience, far more than I ever would have imagined.
I’ve been volunteering for five years and usually it consists of talking on the phone, weekly visits and an occasional card for a birthday, holiday or a special occasion. The visits are very fun and anything goes. Sometimes we’ll sit and look at pictures, drink coffee and talk about family, friends and life. Or, we’ll watch a baseball game and play cards. When the weather is nice we like to go for a drive, visit a flower shop, go out for lunch, or whatever we feel like. Sometimes I’ll pick up Chinese food on my way over and we’ll eat and talk and laugh. Occasionally, I’ll drive her to appointments, like the doctor or dentist office.
Irene is a remarkable woman and at 89 is just as sharp and funny as ever. I truly enjoy my time with her. I love listening to her talk about her growing up years and how hard people had to work and the amenities they didn’t have. It really put things into perspective and I realize how lucky I am to have things like indoor plumbing, a telephone, a car, and a job—things we all take for granted.
Donna has been a visiting volunteer with Southeast Seniors for over five years.
If you are interested in becoming a visiting volunteer or helping out with transportation or other chores for seniors, please give us a call at 612-331-2302
MVNA Named Home Health Agency of the Year
The Minnesota Visiting Nurse Agency received a respected recognition during May, being named Home Health Agency of the Year by the Minnesota Home Care Association. The purpose of the award is to honor those who go above and beyond their ordinary duties to enhance the quality of life for home care clients, their families and communities.
“We were ecstatic to get the news. It’s so nice to see home health care now seen as an essential aspect of public health,” said Mary Ann Blade MVNA President and Chief Executive Officer. “I think we were selected for two reasons,” Blade explains, “We subsidize 77 percent of all home visits, unlike most other home health organizations. And, second, we bring a value add to our care with Club 100 and Club 101, to ensure material goods are available for people who need things such as strollers, baby seats, high chairs, clothing, electric fans or heaters and such. I think this has dramatically helped many clients to become more self-sufficient,” Blade adds.
MVNA’s home care services are an essential safety net for nearly 1,400 Hennepin County residents (2004) who are ill or disabled. MVNA’s care enables many seniors to remain independent in their own homes. More than 75 percent of the 44,000 client home visits last year were subsidized.
Southeast Seniors has contracted with MVNA to provide nursing, home health aide and homemaker services for our clients since 1988. We congratulate MVNA on receiving this award.