St Anthony Park Area Seniors

At Home Living Assistance: St Anthony Park Area Seniors (SAPAS) served 345 seniors, giving supportive services so seniors can maintain their independence. Volunteers provided 1,006 direct service hours in this category with additional 464 staff hours. Services included delivery of Meals on Wheels, providing rides to medical appointments and other independence-related locations such as a pharmacy. Light household chores, short term equipment loans, clothing and textile repairs, home safety checks, requested social visits, technology support, grocery delivery, seasonal lawn/garden help are examples of other requested services performed by volunteers. The office maintains a list of referrals for chores that require more than our volunteers can provide. SAPAS independent contractor handyman will perform minor handyman services such as light switches, leaky faucets, grab bars, window locks, changing doorknobs, closet door repairs, etc. to keep seniors safe in their own home. If requested, our handyman will make the trip to the store and purchase supplies as needed. This year a grant from the MN Dept of Human Resources allowed our handyman to install 75 grab bars and handrails in 29 client homes at little or no cost to the senior.

Nursing: St Anthony Park Area Seniors (SAPAS) nursing services include blood pressure clinics, foot care and nursing and home health aide home services. Blood pressure and oximetry check clinics are provided by SAPAS volunteers with medical professional backgrounds. A blood pressure tracking card is available for all participants. Clinics are offered at no charge and available to everyone regardless of age or residency. Monthly clinics are held in the senior housing apartment complexes in our service area and do not require appointments. This past year our volunteers, who contributed 47 hours, served unique 64 people with 224 BP checks. SAPAS contracted with independent registered nurses trained in foot care to provide clinic-style visits at two locations, as well as in-home visits, to trim toenails and take care of seniors' feet. SAPAS office staff register the senior, explain the fee-for-service rates and connect them with the right nurse for their first visit. Income qualified seniors receive the service at a reduced rate. Convenient appointments are made between the senior and the nurse. This past year the two RN nurses served 100 seniors with 330 visits. SAPAS has partnerships with Aveanna (Medicare episodes) and Shalom Home Care Services (private pay) to provide skilled nursing and home health aide services for seniors on a referral basis.

Caregiver Support: St. Anthony Park Area Seniors (SAPAS) caregiver support is vital to the community as seniors age at home. Volunteers provide short-term respite for caregivers caring for seniors. Caregivers can leave the residence for appointments, a walk, an event, etc. Visits are usually two hours or less. Volunteers do not do any personal care during these visits. Visits can be an ongoing arrangement between the volunteer and caregiving family. SAPAS served 3 people with 108 hours of volunteer time this past year. A co-sponsored Grief and Loss 8-week small group study was held for those experiencing recent loss. The sessions were held by a local pastor. The course was offered at no charge and was available to everyone regardless of age or residency. 11 people took the course.