Southeast News, December 2009
Thank You to our Donors!
With your help, we have made it possible for hundreds of our neighbors 65 and older to remain in their homes. Seniors at home–comfortable, connected, empowered, safe - that has been the vision of Southeast Seniors, A Living at Home Block Nurse Program for over 20 years. We are a neighborhood nonprofit organization asking for your help.
Each year we help to keep approximately 20 seniors out of a nursing home and provide services for almost 300 seniors in the neighborhoods of Como, Marcy Holmes and Prospect Park. We do this by providing in-home Nursing and Home Health Aide services through a contract with Fairview Home Care. We also help coordinate other services such as a ride to the doctor, home repair and lawn care, light housekeeping, grocery shopping and meals-on-wheels. We provide friendly visitors, health and home safety advice, and, in partnership with nearby schools, opportunities for joyous intergenerational events — a positive experience for both the seniors and the children.
We all know how health care costs have been increasing. This hits our seniors hard. At Southeast Seniors, we bill Medicare and other insurance for medical services. But, insurance does not cover a lot of the services seniors need to stay at home. This is where you can help your neighbors. Your contributions allow Southeast Seniors to fill in the gaps. With your donation, we can subsidize care for seniors with our sliding fee scale and keep them safely in their homes.
This year, Hazel shares with you her story of how Southeast Seniors has helped her:
Hazel has lived in her home since 1930. She is 103 years old. She contacted Southeast Seniors about 15 years ago when she needed help with rides to her doctor and hair appointments. She was matched with a volunteer who has helped her out for the past 15 years. Hazel says, “Fran is so good to me. She is a blessing. I wouldn’t be here without her.” Fran says, “Hazel is lovely and a very kind person. I really enjoy being able to help her.” A few years ago, Hazel needed help with a few other services and started nursing services. With the visits from her volunteer and nursing services, Hazel is able to stay in her home. Her son says, “Mom would be dead in a week if she had to move to a nursing home.”
If you have already made a contribution for this year, we thank you for your support. If you are considering a contribution, your help is needed. Our goal for this year is to raise $22,000 from the community.
Please give generously so that our block nurses, staff and volunteers can continue to assist our seniors to be comfortable, connected, empowered and safe in their homes.
With your help, we will maintain these personal connections with our clients and their families in our community. Over 90% of your donation goes to support services that help seniors. Our program is able to continue because of the loyal support of individuals, churches, businesses, foundations and government funding.
Other ways of contributing include memorials, honoring a birthday or anniversary, gifts of stock, or including a bequest to Southeast Seniors in your will.
For information on making a donation, please call Southeast Seniors at 612-331-2302, or click the “Donate” link at the top of this page. Thank you.
Annual Meeting
Southeast Seniors held its Annual Celebration/Potluck on September 10, 2009.Over 40 people gathered to celebrate a year of service to seniors in the Southeast community and to recognize the many people who help make our program successful. Music was provided by Jody Ouradnik and Stu Anderson. Our Guest Speaker was Peter McLaughlin, Hennepin County Commissioner.
Other guests included: Ruth Kildow, City of Minneapolis Ombudsman for Senior Services; and City of Minneapolis Council Member Cam Gordon.
We thanked the many visiting volunteers who make such a difference in the lives of seniors; our Volunteer of the Year — Nancy McCoy; and the other agencies we collaborate with in providing services for seniors in Southeast.
At the October board meeting, the board elected officers:
Tom Weist, Chair; Jane Hanger Seeley, Vice-Chair; Dick Poppele, Treasurer; and Anne Hibbard, Secretary. The board approved the nominations of Marilyn Luedtke and Lloyd Wittstock to the board. We thanked our outgoing board members Bob Distad, Sally Godfrey, Charlotte Herman, Ardes Johnson, Walter Johnson and Sally Sawyer.
Thank you to all of our board members for their service to Southeast Seniors and community. They are:
Judy Anderson, Susan Anderson, Jane Burnham, Jim Drake, Carol Feldheim, Greta and TonyGarmers, Carmen Gunther, Anne Hibbard, Bob Kriel, Wendy Looman, Marilyn Luedtke, Mary Anne Page, Terrie Peterson, Dick Poppele, Jere Purple, Leona Reyelts, Lois Schardin, Jane Hanger Seeley, Steve Sorensen, Vicki Speidel, Tom Weist, Lloyd Wittstock and Betts Zerby.
SES Receives Grants
As a non-profit, Southeast Seniors is very dependent on the donations we receive from the community as well as on the grants we receive. With this financial support, we are able to continue to provide services for seniors. We are very fortunate that we have received support for many years from the State of Minnesota, Hennepin County, and the City of Minneapolis.In addition, during the past year we have received grants from the following organizations and foundations:
• Allianz
• Consumer Association for Community Action
• Stevens Square Foundation
• Thorpe Foundation
• WCA Foundation
• Pillsbury
Thank you for your support.
Wish List
Due to a recent theft from our office, we are in need of some equipment.
We are looking for a digital camera and a laptop.
If you or your business is interested in donating these items to Southeast Seniors, please give us a call at 612-331-2302. Thank you.
Ten Things to Know
Ten Things you should know about your aging parent in an emergency (or 10 things your children should know about you!)
1. The names of their doctors, addresses and phone numbers.
2. Birthdates and social security numbers.
3. A list of allergies.
4. A list of their medical history and problems.
5. A list of prior surgeries.
6. A list of their current medications, dosage and frequency taken.
7. Insurance information.
8. Advance directives.
9. Religious beliefs and church affiliation.
10. Lifestyle information.
Internet resource:
Mayoclinic.com/seniorhealth/HA00029
Falls Prevention
In Minnesota, falls are the number one cause of trauma and trauma deaths. The death rate from falls is twice the national average.As we approach the snowy and icy season, here are a few tips to help you with preventing falls:
At Home—
• keep pathways clear;
• watch out for pets;
• put away throw and scatter rugs;
• take your time;
• and make sure you have adequate lighting.In the Bathroom—
• Make sure you have a nonslip mat in the tub or shower;
• install grab bars in the shower, tub and toilet areas.
Outdoors—
• Let your eyes adjust to outdoor light;
• use helping devices such as canes or walkers when necessary;
• and watch your step.
In the Winter—
• Wear boots with non-skid soles;
• keep walks shoveled (ask for help!);
• use de-icer or sand on walks;
• and avoid unnecessary trips.
Other helpful tips:
• Have a lamp or light switch that you can easily reach without getting out of bed.
• Use night-lights in the bedroom, bathroom and hallways.
• Do not stand on a chair to reach things.
• Remove all extraneous clutter in your home.
• Do not walk around your home in stocking feet.
Material obtained from:
• Lifeline
• learnnottofall.com
• mnfallsprevention.org
Authors:
Molly H. & Olivia B.
BSN Students, University of Minnesota
Southeast Seniors
66 Malcolm Avenue SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Phone: 612-331-2302
Fax: 612-668-1110
seseniorsmpls.org
HAPPY HOLIDAYS from SOUTHEAST SENIORS!
What is Southeast Seniors?
Many seniors prefer to live in their own homes. Southeast Seniors is a 501c3 non-profit organization of health care professionals and neighbors who help people 65 and older remain independent and safe at home.
Our service area includes the neighborhoods of Como, Marcy Holmes and Prospect Park in Southeast Minneapolis.
Through a contract with Fairview Home Care, we provide nursing services:
• care after hospitalization,
• care in chronic illness,
• management of medications,
• care of feet and nails,
• nutritional advice,
• blood pressure checks;
• and home health aide services.
We work with Medicare and all insurance companies in providing these services. We also have a sliding fee scale available.
Other services provided:
• visiting volunteers;
• services by our Outreach Nurse;
• connecting seniors with services such as Lifeline, Vision Loss Resources, Meals on Wheels, support for hearing loss;
• and assistance with chore services and transportation.
We also sponsor intergenerational activities and health seminars in the community.
There are no fees for volunteer services or service coordination.
Call us if you, a relative or a friend would like more information:
612-331-2302.
Thank you to the Consumer Association for Community Action for providing funding for this newsletter