The Living at Home/Block Nurse Program is a community service program that helps older adults remain in their homes as long as possible. Using a combination of neighborhood volunteers and health professionals, the program provides information, support services and health care to neighborhood residents over the age of 65.
How the program works
Service coordinators within 40 communities throughout the state work with a network of neighborhood volunteers, home health aides, nurses, and other health professionals to provide neighborhood seniors with needed assistance that allows them to continue to stay in their own homes. This partnership of volunteers and health professionals works closely with the seniors, their families, and physicians to design a plan of assistance and care to be implemented by the staff and volunteers. Additional community agencies and organizations, including area churches, businesses and schools provide further services and volunteer hours.
Evaluation for needed services
A service coordinator evaluates the needs of each individual with the help of his or her caregivers or families. Volunteers and health providers will be notified of the individual's specific needs and a plan of assistance will be arranged. The service coordinator or nurse periodically will check with the individual and his or her family to identify any additional services necessary as needs change
Services provided by volunteers include:
telephone contact, checking to see how the person is doing
friendly visits, some counseling
finding friends in the community
simple home repairs, lawn care, snow shoveling
social activities
paying bills, explaining Medicare Health services
health and wellness education
blood pressure checks
vision and hearing checks
management of chronic illnesses such as heart disease and cancer
management of chronic disabilities such as vision loss
flu shots and other preventive care
More complex health care, often called acute care, is also provided through the home health agency. It includes services such as:
skilled nursing
home health aid
physical therapy
occupational therapy
speech therapy
durable medical equipment
Respite care
Volunteers are available to come into the home and provide care for several hours allowing a caregiver some time off to relax, run errands, etc.
Custodial or maintenance services for individuals who have difficulty caring for themselves or getting around
transportation
Meals on Wheels or transportation to a place where meals are served
household chores
adult day care
senior center activities
legal or financial help
assistance for older seniors that are abused or in danger
For more information please call (651) 649-0315, e-mail questions to or visit www.elderberry.org.
Counseling and Services 
